JOHANNESBURG – S’nenhlanhla Dlamini from Ongoye Secondary School in Richards Bay, KZN took home the top prize at the 2016 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF).
The Grade 12 learner is the winner of a full scholarship to study in Germany sponsored by Siemens. Her project is entitled Smart Home Energy Saver in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation category and was one of the 580 finalists who competed at this year’s ISF where over R4 million worth in prizes was awarded to budding scientists from across the country and abroad.
The Expo presents a platform for the youngsters to show their talents and encourage them to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) fields and is the largest science fair in the country. It also teaches learners internationally benchmarked scientific methods, their importance and the application thereof required at university level. By actively encouraging young people to pursue STEMI careers, Eskom aims to address the country’s shortage of skills in the fields of science and engineering.
This year has been another momentous one for the Eskom Expo with majority female participants at 5393 female participants, versus 3564 male participants, while learners from Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe have participated for the fifth year in a row. Notably, this year has seen a phenomenal growth of 43% school participation across the country.
Parthy Chetty, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Executive Director said, “South Africa is reaffirming itself as the hub of scientific research and excellence on the continent by hosting young scientists from Africa, and beyond. To maintain this momentum and to ensure our competitive survival on a global scale, South Africa relies on unique initiatives like the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists that creates and supports an environment and a platform and innovation.”
