Young scientists from schools across Vhembe will compete for a place at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair when they present their research projects at Tshivhase Secondary School on 1 August.
The Vhembe event is one of four regional science fairs to be held in Limpopo during August. Waterberg will host its fair on 6 August at the Mokopane Edu-Maple Primary College Hall, followed by Mopani on 8 August at the Mopani TVET College Phalaborwa Campus. The Capricorn regional fair will conclude the provincial programme at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on 15 August.
The regional fairs follow district expos held earlier this year, during which 13,882 projects were showcased at 287 events across South Africa. In total, 18,481 learners took part in Expo activities, including research workshops and district competitions.
This year, about 6,300 projects have qualified for the 38 regional science fairs. Learners will compete for a place at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair, which will be held in Gauteng at the end of September.
The projects cover a wide range of subjects, including energy, environmental sustainability, healthcare, agriculture, engineering, technology and the social sciences.
Acting Eskom Development Foundation Chief Executive Mologadi Motshele said the regional fairs provide learners with an opportunity to develop practical solutions to problems affecting their communities.
Professionals, including engineers, doctors, veterinarians, teachers, lecturers, researchers, scientists and information technology specialists, have been invited to serve as judges at the regional science fairs.