Come view future rocket scientists

"It is gratifying to see that the number of female participants is increasing steadily each year, proving that when it comes to technical fields of study, the girls can more than hold their own when competing with the boys," says Dr. Steve Lennon, divisional executive, Eskom International and Eskom's Expo for Young Scientists' champion.

"The expo is all about unlocking the potential scientific, technological, mathematical and engineering talent of South Africa's young minds. We are especially pleased to be able to assist in facilitating this for learners in rural areas, particularly the young girls and providing them with the opportunity and platform to test, expand upon and showcase their knowledge, thinking and ingenuity against that of learners across the world. It is also about competition, showing that science and technology is interesting and encouraging learners to investigate pursuing technical careers after they leave school."

Projects open for public viewing

On Friday 7 October 2011, the public will have a chance to view the projects from 9am to 4pm, followed by a special awards ceremony in the evening with an address by the deputy minister of basic education, Enver Surty as guest of honour.

The formal prize giving ceremony on Saturday 8 October 2011 will complete the process and will be attended by guests of honour, minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor and minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba.

"Last year the expo spanned 26 regions of South Africa. This year, we have seen submissions from 28 regions across the country. Finalists from Mexico join the South African finalists in competing for honours across all 25 categories in the Eskom Expo. In its 31st year, it attracted more entries than ever before and 532 projects were chosen to compete in the national finals.

"As previous winners have shown us, the sky really is the limit for learners who apply their minds and get involved in the annual expo," concludes Dr. Lennon.