Eskom awarded bursaries worth a total of R1,332-million to three young scientists towards studying engineering degrees at a university of their choice in South Africa.
These were awarded at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) Grand Awards ceremony. The winners were among the 611 finalists at the three-day 2017 Eskom Expo ISF at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg.
The Eskom bursary winners, all in Grade 12 now, are: Nondumiso Mdletshe from Khula High School (KZN); Joshua Boa-Amponsem from Empangeni High School (KZN); and Sindi Matlaila from Khamane Secondary School (MP).
The two other top achievers were: Edrich Theodor Engelbrecht, in Grade 10 at Hoerskool Waterkloof (GP), who won R75 000.00 prize money; and Khilona Piyarlall, a Grade 9 learner at Scottburgh High (Southern KZN), with prize money of R50 000.00.
Naledi Pandor, minister of science and technology, urged the youngsters to be resolute in following a career in science, engineering or technology and to go as far as they can in their studies.
“I always love coming to the Eskom Expo because it gives me a sense of what the future of our country looks like. The young scientists here are a demonstration that we as a nation can and will be a great achiever in the fields of science and technology.
“I was intrigued to see that all their projects seek to solve problems we are facing today and the solutions they are developing are not for their own gain but for society’s benefit. I am excited and impressed that you believe you can change the world and find it particularly pleasing that the number of previously disadvantaged learners at the expo has been growing.”
At Eskom Expo ISF, which is endorsed by the Departments of Public Enterprises, Basic Education and the Science and Technology, the learners presented their science projects to a panel of judges that included professionals from the private sector, academics, scientists and educators, and for their efforts, were awarded great prizes including tickets to other international science fairs. The conclusion of yet another exciting and inspired Eskom Expo ISF marked a successful competition which attracted participants from not only South Africa but also Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Brazil.
