The 2024 Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) celebrated remarkable young innovators by awarding top students with bursaries, cash prizes, laptops, and more. Held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, from 23 to 27 September, the event showcased scientific talent from South Africa and abroad. As the main sponsor, Eskom awarded R10,000 to winners in four special categories: Best Female Project, Best Development Project, Best Energy Project, and Best Innovation Project.
Celebrating Innovation and Research Excellence
Best Development Project: Salusiwe Mxayiya, a Grade 11 student at Luhlaza High School in Cape Town, won for her study on the population dynamics of Hector’s lantern fish. Her research pointed out the economic and ecological impact of parasites on this fish species and urged the Department of Forestry and Fisheries to reduce the allowable catch to prevent further damage.
Best Female Project: Ammarah Patel from Parktown High School for Girls (Grade 10) and Naveera Chana from Cooper College (Grade 8) shared this award. Patel’s project, focused on optimising the properties of bioplastics, addressed sustainability in the environment. Chana’s low-cost system for measuring photosynthesis demonstrated innovation in plant sciences, showcasing promising research for environmental sustainability.
Best Innovation Project: Grade 11 student Aman Pati from Kingfisher School in Limpopo was recognised for his project titled “Revolutionizer: The Sky is NOT the Limit.” His work on reducing rocket fuel costs and black carbon emissions could save up to R6 million per launch, marking significant advancements in aerospace sustainability.
Best Energy Project: Lukusa Tshizubu, a Grade 12 learner from Parow High School, developed the “GreenHauler” truck. This construction debris management truck uses renewable energy and innovative processing technologies to support sustainable practices in the construction industry.
Eskom’s Role in Nurturing Young Talent
Mologadi Motshele, Acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, applauded the young scientists for their role in reshaping South Africa’s future through their dedication to STEMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation). She noted Eskom’s commitment to supporting youth in pursuing their scientific passions, believing these future leaders will play a crucial role in industries across the country.
Industry and Academic Support
Several corporate sponsors, including Babcock International and Siemens Energy, awarded five full bursaries worth R2.2 million. These bursaries cover tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and a laptop for students to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university. Winners included Mbasa Hamann from Ugie High School, Diyasha Rungasami from Raisethorpe Secondary, and Percy Phala from Bokamoso Secondary School. Siemens Energy also provided prizes to disadvantaged schools.
In addition, universities like the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria contributed academic support, offering bursaries and mentorship to promising students.
Prestigious Recognition
The prestigious University of Pretoria/Dr Derek Gray Memorial Award went to Tahir Ousman from Zinniaville Secondary School. His research on the “Twin Prime Conjecture” earned him a gold medal, a trip to the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar during Nobel Week, and a three-year study bursary in sciences or engineering at the University of Pretoria.
For more information on all the 2024 Eskom Expo ISF winners, visit www.exposcience.co.za.
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