Winners of Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award announced at Eskom Expo ISF
The Department of Basic Education is delighted to share the exciting news about the winners of the Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award, presented at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF). This prestigious award recognises young talent in science and innovation, with Leila Erasmus from the Welkom Region and Lianie Groblerand from the Port Elizabeth Region each receiving a tablet for their outstanding achievements. These awards highlight the commitment to fostering sustainable development and scientific curiosity among South Africa’s youth.
Key details of the award
- Event: The 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
- Award: Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award.
- Winners:
- Leila Erasmus, representing the Welkom Region.
- Lianie Groblerand, representing the Port Elizabeth Region.
- Prize: Each winner was awarded a tablet.
- Organisations involved:
- Eskom Expo for Young Scientists (main event organiser).
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
- University of Edinburgh.
- The Department of Basic Education (DBE) proudly supports such initiatives.
Celebrating young scientists and innovation
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Leila Erasmus and Lianie Groblerand for winning the Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, innovative thinking, and dedication to finding solutions for a sustainable future.
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is a vital platform for our nation’s budding scientists and innovators. It encourages students from across South Africa to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in practical and meaningful ways. By participating, learners develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for scientific discovery, all of which are essential for addressing the challenges facing our country and the African continent.
The Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award, supported by two esteemed universities, specifically celebrates projects that contribute to sustainable development in Africa. This aligns perfectly with the DBE’s goal to equip our learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become active citizens who can contribute positively to society and the economy. We believe that investing in our youth’s scientific literacy and innovative capacity is crucial for building a resilient and prosperous South Africa.
The DBE actively supports events like the Eskom Expo because they complement our curriculum by offering hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. These expos provide a unique opportunity for learners to showcase their talents, receive mentorship from experts, and connect with peers who share their interests. Such engagements are invaluable in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and environmentalists who will drive our nation’s progress.
We encourage all learners, educators, and parents to explore the exciting world of science and innovation. For more information on our initiatives and how the DBE supports quality education, please visit our official website at www.education.gov.za. You can also find updates on various educational activities and news by visiting schoolclick.co.za.
Questions and answers for the public
- What is the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF)?
The Eskom Expo ISF is South Africa’s premier science fair for young scientists, where learners showcase their scientific research projects to compete for prizes, bursaries, and scholarships. It aims to develop young scientists and engineers. - What is the Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award?
This is a special award presented at the Eskom Expo ISF, sponsored by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Edinburgh. It recognises projects that focus on innovative solutions for sustainable development in Africa. - Who were the winners of this year’s award?
The winners of the Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award were Leila Erasmus from the Welkom Region and Lianie Groblerand from the Port Elizabeth Region. - What did the winners receive as a prize?
Each of the winners was awarded a tablet for their outstanding projects. - How does the Department of Basic Education (DBE) support science expos like this?
The DBE supports science expos by promoting participation among learners and schools, aligning these initiatives with the national curriculum, and recognising the importance of practical science education in developing future innovators and problem-solvers. - How can students participate in future Eskom Expo events?
Students interested in participating should contact their school’s science department or visit the official Eskom Expo for Young Scientists website for information on regional expos, registration details, and project guidelines. - Why is encouraging science and innovation important for South Africa?
Encouraging science and innovation is crucial for South Africa’s growth and development. It helps address societal challenges, drives economic progress, creates new opportunities, and prepares our youth for the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape. - Where can I find more information about the Department of Basic Education’s activities?
You can find more information about the Department of Basic Education’s activities, policies, and programmes by visiting our official website at www.education.gov.za, or for news and updates, you can go to schoolclick.co.za.
