Empowering Future Engineers: EECE’s Active Role in the 2024 KZN Eskom Science Expo

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The Discipline of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering (EECE) at UKZN made a significant impact and contribution at the recent KZN regional finals of the Eskom Science Expo, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young learners.

The event, held with the participation of 236 learners and 189 projects, showcased the exceptional talent and innovation of students across KwaZulu-Natal.

EECE’s involvement was both extensive and impactful and was led by EECE Principal Technician, Mr Divesh Maharaj. A team of 16 staff members and postgraduate students volunteered as judges in the engineering and energy categories, ensuring that the projects were evaluated with the highest standards of academic and technical rigor, but also in a manner that encouraged the learners and fostered their curiosity. This contribution was crucial in recognising and rewarding the exceptional work of the young participants.

Beyond judging, EECE also sponsored three prestigious awards, highlighting the Department’s dedication to encouraging future innovators:

•    Energy Trailblazer Award - awarded to Mr Joshua Williamson, a Grade 12 learner from Northwood, for his outstanding project Heat Street in the energy category.

•    Innovators Engineering Award - won by Ms Amukelwa Bhengu, a Grade 11 student from Alexandra High School, for her innovative engineering project which used a microcontroller to purify river water to the level of acceptable human consumption.

•    Code-vators Prize - scooped by Mr Shreyan Govender, a Grade 11 learner from Star College, for his excellence in computer engineering for designing a system that could perform online voting.

These awards were judged by academics from EECE and presented to the winners during the prize-giving ceremony by Dr Mohamed Fayaz Khan, senior lecturer in the Discipline of Electrical Engineering. In addition to these contributions, Mr Matthew Brown, lecturer from Electrical Engineering, also partnered with the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) at the event, to deliver an interactive seminar on the Net Zero Initiative, aimed at combating climate change. This seminar not only engaged the students present at the expo, but also reached out to pupils from neighbouring schools, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices in engineering.

EECE’s active participation in the Eskom Science Expo was driven by a strategic goal: to engage directly with primary and secondary school learners passionate about STEM. By doing so, the department aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers and create connections with educators who share a commitment to promoting STEM education, particularly in rural areas.

The KZN Central Eskom Science Expo was a resounding success, and EECE’s involvement played a vital role in this achievement. The department’s efforts in community outreach and education have not only enriched the experience of the learners, but also strengthened its own ties to the broader community, ensuring a brighter future for engineering in South Africa.

Words: Mohamed Khan

Photographs: Supplied