The Welkom Regional Eskom Expo for Young scientists took place at the St Andrew’s School in Welkom over the past weekend of 17 August.
The expo aims to encourage learners to explore the field of science and get them interested in careers concerning all things scientific.
This competition was the culmination of five district exhibitions that prepared learner projects for the competition. A record number of 35 schools entered 92 projects.
The Life Science quiz involved 11 teams of two members each, who were busy with various activities for three hours. The quiz tested their knowledge to the utmost. The quiz master was Lethlonolo Taiwe supported by Kano Lenong and Mari-Et Desmore as record keepers.
Hanco de Beer and Shalea Pretorius of Goudveld-Hoërskool won the challenge. Second place went to Moji Segalo and Tshepi Thabana of St Andrew’s, with Paballo Mogopodi and Mosoeu Lebohang of the Taiwe Secondary School taking third place. Each of these learners went home with a cash voucher, compliments of Eskom.
The prize giving started with a science show by Kgabsy Lekgabe, followed by the St Andrew’s High School Choir under the leadership of Hansie Jordaan, and accompanied by Aston Mimba on piano.
Nyakallo Mbongo delivered an inspiring address about her attendance of the 43rd Beijing Youth Science Creation competition.
Calista Gerber, a gr. 11 learner of Welkom-Gimnasium, also inspired the participants with her Expo journey.
A total of 23 projects received bronze medals, 27 received silver, and 11 were awarded with gold medals.
The award for the best female project went to Helené Fourie (Trio High School) , and the best innovation project to Fatima Noor (Welkom-Gimnasium) for “Next-gen bandages: precision enhanced wound care”.
The best energy project went to Reneilwe Mahlatsi and Keratile Rakhetla (Dorrington Matsepe Primary School) for “South Africa’s electricity consumption and alternate energy”. The best previously disadvantaged individuals (PDI) project was done by Tshoanelo Setai (Eldoret Secondary School).
Gold medals were received by Helené Fourie (Trio); Fatima Noor (Welkom-Gimnasium); Mariandri Eloff (Naudeville Primêr, “Recycled water and plant growth”); Karlien Van Jaarsveld (Naudeville, “The use of non-recyclable glass in paving bricks”); Hanno Van Jaarsveld (Naudeville, “Breaking the life cycle of a fly”); Janet de Wet (Diepfontein Christian School, “Rippa-Stoppa”); Oreratile Mokhathi (St. Andrew’s, “Cooling Umbrella”); Calista Gerber (Welkom-Gimnasium, “Remotely controlling and monitoring the regeneration of electricity by the Licht Panel Ceiling Fitting”); Mphe Moloto (St. Andrew’s, “Silkworms’ waste water compost”); Leila Erasmus (Welkom-Volkskool, “Die effek wat musiek op leervermoë het”); and Micaela Sardinha (St. Andrew’s, “Therapy in schools”).
“Congratulations to all our medal winners at the Welkom Regional Expo. Your hard work, commitment and perseverance has paid off,” said Anina Nel, chairperson of the Welkom regional expo.
A team of seven learners will represent the region at the International Science Fair at Emperor’s Palace during the spring school holidays from 23 to 27 September.
– Alastair Smart
