Ukhanyo Learners Win Silver at Eskom Expo for Young Scientists
Over the past few months, the learners have been hard at work in Masicorp’s Science Lab, which forms part of the organisation’s Learning Labs programme at Ukhanyo Primary. Under the passionate management of Rumbidzai Bayisai with the assistant Siziwe Tyutu, together with the dedication of Ukhanyo’s science teachers, the Science Lab has become a hub of curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning. It was here that learners prepared their research projects, developed their experiments, and built the confidence to present their ideas on a bigger stage.
This year, their work tackled pressing real-world challenges. Projects included exploring how tyre gardens could provide food security, finding solutions for recycling beach plastics, investigating plant biodiversity, and comparing the impact of online versus face-to-face learning.
Their dedication paid off at the finals, where they confidently presented their findings alongside young scientists from across the region. Bulumko Bambiso and Enkosi Mejeni each won silver medals for their Agricultural Sciences project and were honoured as Most Deserving Students, receiving laptops sponsored by UCD Dublin. They will also benefit from ongoing mentorship from the UCD Dublin team to support future science projects.
In recognition of their hard work and participation, Masicorp proudly sponsored tablets for Afikile Ndikinda and Lisekhona Nendile who were also part of the Agricultural Sciences team; ensuring that they too have access to the digital tools needed to continue their learning journeys.
Speaking after the event, Ovayo Njombana of the Social Sciences project shared her excitement:
“It’s important to be curious about things in life. I am very excited for my future and I want to become a scientist one day.”
Reflecting on the success, Rumbidzai Bayisai, Ukhanyo’s Learning Labs Coordinator, added:
“I believe Audrey Hepburn’s words: ‘Nothing is impossible. The word itself says: I’m possible!’ Given the right mentorship and guidance, every child has the potential to make their dreams come true, irrespective of what’s surrounding them. Diamonds come from the most unexpected places.”
This achievement is about more than medals. It is a story of opportunity, mentorship, and creativity.
