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Eskom holds regional science fair competition

Regina Pazvakavambwa
By Regina Pazvakavambwa, ITWeb portals journalist.
Johannesburg, 31 Jul 2018
Learners can enter their scientific investigation into one of the 24 categories.
Learners can enter their scientific investigation into one of the 24 categories.

Power utility Eskom is hosting regional competitions for its Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) in nine provinces across South Africa.

According to Eskom, the science fair is aimed at developing primary and high school scientists and innovators.

The students will compete for a chance to win prizes worth over R14 million, including university bursaries, gadgets and cash prizes, says Eskom.

Winners will represent their regions and provinces at the ISF in Johannesburg from 2 to 5 October, where all these prizes will be awarded.

The expo is endorsed by the departments of public enterprises, science and technology, and basic education.

Learners can enter their scientific investigation into one of the 24 categories ranging from animal sciences, mathematics and statistics, to renewable energy, says Eskom. The young scientists will present their projects to judges and industry, it adds.

"The regional finals of the Eskom Expo are always an exciting and incredible display of how innovative the young people of this country are," says Pieter Pretorius, chairman of the Eskom Expo board of directors.

"With such great passion and enthusiasm, learners take on the challenge of looking at the problems they see around them; in their homes, schools, local communities and in South Africa more broadly, and find solutions to these problems."

The expo's long-term strategy is to increase participation in science and mathematics activities, as well as increase the participation of schools in the science fair, says Thava Govender, Eskom group executive of generation and acting group executive of risk and sustainability.

One of the winners of last year's science fair has been sponsored by Siemens to go through a three-year mechatronics or electronics apprenticeship at the Siemens Technical Academy in Berlin and a chance to work for Siemens in SA, says Eskom.

"Last year saw a 43% increase in school participation and with this year's strategy geared towards expansion in this area, particularly for rural and no fee-paying schools, this number is expected to increase, says Govender.

"Greater exposure to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation activities from a young age is a critical driver for transformation of our economy and the creation of a better world for all."

The Eskom Expo has this year again continued relationships with numerous international science fairs such as those in Taiwan, China, the United States, Turkey, Zambia and Kenya.

The company says its vision is to bring more African countries together to share experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and promote the uptake of science-related careers.

Eskom Expo believes collaboration between partners will contribute to a bigger impact on the education system than the various individual initiatives currently under way.

These partnership opportunities include the provision of bursaries and scholarships to learners, and acknowledging judges and mentors by presenting awards at Eskom ISF and regional expos, it adds.

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