Atteridgeville schools equipped with new science labs
These include Bokgoni Technical Secondary School, Hofmeyr High School, Edward Phatudi Comprehensive School, and Seaparankwe Primary School.
This is through the hands of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, alongside the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who recently handed over the facilities to the school management and learners.
The School Science Lab Handover Programme took place on August 7 and was a collaborative initiative between the Department of Electricity and Energy and private sector partners.
The initiative seeks to improve the quality of science education in township schools by providing essential infrastructure to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation among learners.
The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and tech company Huawei donated equipment and technology.
Ramokgopa described the day's events as a remarkable commitment to growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among township schools.
'We reaffirmed the place of STEM as subjects that will undergird human advancement and inclusive development. We reasserted the inalienable right of the black, township and opportunity-deprived children to fully participate in the future we desire and construct,' Ramokgopa said.
'These learners will not imagine a science experiment; they will perform it in their own lab with the aid of modern technology. They are likely to get it wrong the first time, and this will drive them to keep on trying until they get it right. It is the fail-fail-succeed continuum that will enhance their chances of academic progression and possibly land them distinctions,' the minister said.
The minister thanked their partners, Huawei, Avon/Didisa, and NECSA for making the project possible.
'Education is fun, it is fashionable, it is an unending enterprise,' Ramokgopa said.
Mhlauli said the donation goes beyond the bricks, mortar, and equipment as it is about opportunity, empowerment and preparing the youth to thrive in the economy of tomorrow.
'As the Presidency, we view this initiative as part of a broader commitment to building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready generation. This science lab handover speaks directly to the goals of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and the broader National Development Plan,' Mhlaudi said.
'We know that a lack of foundational infrastructure in schools, particularly in the sciences and technology, holds back many young people from fully participating in our evolving economy. That is why we support and welcome this partnership,' she said.
The deputy minister in the Presidency said the initiative reflects the collaborative spirit needed to cultivate growth, asserting that the government cannot transform education alone. She called on the private sector, civil society and public institutions to come together to create a lasting impact in communities that need it most.
'Through the PYEI, the Presidency has championed programmes that link learning to earning. We also recognise that our work starts in the classroom. It begins by creating environments where learners are inspired, equipped and supported to dream and succeed. Initiatives like this one strengthen that foundation,' Mhlauli said. '
The metro's MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale expressed her appreciation for private entities coming on board.
'These science labs will empower our students with the tools and resources they need to excel in the sciences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Science education is not just about textbooks and theory; it's about hands-on experience, discovery, and innovation,' Mogale said.
She also thanked the minister for the donation.
Watch here:
Good morning Tshwane, and our people especially in Pheli😊. This is Surprise, a grade 11 learner from Atteridgivile and he wants to pursue a career in Nuclear Physics. I believe in his dream and listening to him I knew he had it in him. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cLhJ1GFJuA
— Tlangi Mogale: CoT MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) August 11, 2025
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Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Mail & Guardian
Scientific excellence, innovation, and impact
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Dr Tamaryn Morris Ocean and Polar Coordinator NRF-SAEON As a physical oceanographer, Dr Tamaryn Morris has extensive in-field experience in the South West Indian and South Atlantic Oceans using a variety of ocean observing instruments and platforms. She oversees a team of 10 people and is the lead coordinator for the Ocean20 engagement group under the G20 Presidency for South Africa for 2025. As co-lead of the GOOS Boundary Current Exemplar Project — endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade —she is instrumental in building international observing collaborations. She champions collaboration and capacity development, serving on key global panels such as the Argo Steering Team; SOOPIP's Ships of Opportunity Implementation Panel; and GOOS Task Teams, to ensure South Africa's contribution to global observation networks. Her leadership inspires emerging ocean scientists and strengthens national and international marine science communities. 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Beyond her operations work, she actively mentors graduate students and contributes to workshops, data schools, and training sessions, particularly those aimed at empowering women and historically underrepresented groups in astronomy. She is a quiet yet powerful role model for resilience and integrity in science. Ms Susan Janse van Rensburg Node Coordinator: Grasslands NRF-SAEON Ms Susan Janse van Rensburg is an ecologist with over 20 years of experience facilitating societally relevant research. She currently serves as Node Coordinator of the NRF-SAEON Grasslands Node, where she has pioneered one of South Africa's flagship long-term global change research platforms. Her work spans protected area management, science-policy translation, and multi-stakeholder programme design—integrating ecology, hydrology, climate, and socio-economic systems. 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She participates in various initiatives to inspire school learners to become astronomers or take an interest in STEM. These include the job shadow program at NRF-SAAO; student visits to the UCT Astronomy Department and talks at the International Astronomy Union's General Assembly. Ms Hoosain has appeared in the Women in STEM edition of African Science Stars and was a recipient of a DSTI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowship.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Atteridgeville schools equipped with new science labs
Four schools from Atteridgeville now boast new science laboratories. These include Bokgoni Technical Secondary School, Hofmeyr High School, Edward Phatudi Comprehensive School, and Seaparankwe Primary School. This is through the hands of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, alongside the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who recently handed over the facilities to the school management and learners. The School Science Lab Handover Programme took place on August 7 and was a collaborative initiative between the Department of Electricity and Energy and private sector partners. The initiative seeks to improve the quality of science education in township schools by providing essential infrastructure to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation among learners. The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and tech company Huawei donated equipment and technology. Ramokgopa described the day's events as a remarkable commitment to growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among township schools. 'We reaffirmed the place of STEM as subjects that will undergird human advancement and inclusive development. We reasserted the inalienable right of the black, township and opportunity-deprived children to fully participate in the future we desire and construct,' Ramokgopa said. 'These learners will not imagine a science experiment; they will perform it in their own lab with the aid of modern technology. They are likely to get it wrong the first time, and this will drive them to keep on trying until they get it right. It is the fail-fail-succeed continuum that will enhance their chances of academic progression and possibly land them distinctions,' the minister said. The minister thanked their partners, Huawei, Avon/Didisa, and NECSA for making the project possible. 'Education is fun, it is fashionable, it is an unending enterprise,' Ramokgopa said. Mhlauli said the donation goes beyond the bricks, mortar, and equipment as it is about opportunity, empowerment and preparing the youth to thrive in the economy of tomorrow. 'As the Presidency, we view this initiative as part of a broader commitment to building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready generation. This science lab handover speaks directly to the goals of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and the broader National Development Plan,' Mhlaudi said. 'We know that a lack of foundational infrastructure in schools, particularly in the sciences and technology, holds back many young people from fully participating in our evolving economy. That is why we support and welcome this partnership,' she said. The deputy minister in the Presidency said the initiative reflects the collaborative spirit needed to cultivate growth, asserting that the government cannot transform education alone. She called on the private sector, civil society and public institutions to come together to create a lasting impact in communities that need it most. 'Through the PYEI, the Presidency has championed programmes that link learning to earning. We also recognise that our work starts in the classroom. It begins by creating environments where learners are inspired, equipped and supported to dream and succeed. Initiatives like this one strengthen that foundation,' Mhlauli said. ' The metro's MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale expressed her appreciation for private entities coming on board. 'These science labs will empower our students with the tools and resources they need to excel in the sciences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Science education is not just about textbooks and theory; it's about hands-on experience, discovery, and innovation,' Mogale said. She also thanked the minister for the donation. Watch here: Good morning Tshwane, and our people especially in Pheli😊. This is Surprise, a grade 11 learner from Atteridgivile and he wants to pursue a career in Nuclear Physics. I believe in his dream and listening to him I knew he had it in him. ❤️ — Tlangi Mogale: CoT MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) August 11, 2025 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
AI-powered robot to combat plastic pollution created by KZN pupils, selected for Stockholm Junior Water Prize
The AquaCrusader, an AI-powered robot designed to collect microplastics from aquatic environments. Image: Supplied Two KwaZulu-Natal pupils, Snazo Nzama and Elihle Msomi from Adams College, have put their school and province on the map with their autonomous, AI-powered aquatic robot innovation, the AquaCrusader, which collects microplastics and nanoplastics from rivers, streams, dams and estuaries. Their innovation has put them in the running for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, the highlight of World Water Week. The Grade 11 pupils were selected along with others from national competitions held worldwide. The AquaCrusader minimises microplastics in aquatic environments without harming aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the duo's purpose was clear: to create an innovation that can collect microplastics in freshwater sources, minimising the effects they cause in aquatic environments, biosphere and humans. Snazo and Elihle said the AquaCrusader aligns strongly with the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize theme, 'Water for Climate Action,' by offering a practical, technology-driven solution that addresses the climate impacts of plastic pollution in aquatic environments. 'We used STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principles throughout the design process,' Snazo and Elihle said. A sketch of the AquaCrusader, an AI-powered robot designed to collect microplastics from aquatic environments. Image: Supplied What is the AquaCrusader? 'We went through all the design-thinking processes, and our design comprises the exterior structure and interior structure, which has 2 chambers,' Snazo and Elihle said. The AquaCrusader is operated by a Raspberry Pi and Arduino UNO R4; it uses ultrasonic sensors, GPS mapping, and real-time AI navigation to function without human intervention. It is also powered by solar panels, also effective underwater, and hydro energy, offering sustainable operation. Its dual-chamber design separates the control system from a highly effective filtration system capable of capturing both microplastics and nanoplastics, ensuring minimal disruption to aquatic ecosystems. The AquaCrusader is engineered with an eco-friendly, hydrodynamic structure and camouflaged in eco-friendly dark blue paint to blend with its environment. It is also waterproof, insulated, and durable even in harsh aquatic ecosystem conditions. With remote control capabilities and an emergency manual override, the device maintains stability even in strong water currents and under pressure, thanks to its integrated gyroscope. It is also equipped with advanced filtration, GPS navigation and real-time data reporting. It offers an eco-friendly solution to restore water quality and protect public health. The AquaCrusader is environmentally conscious and scalable, aligning with key South African environmental laws and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 13. Also aligning with the 2025 World Environment Day theme, 'Solutions to Plastic Pollution', the AquaCrusader presents an intelligent, innovative, and eco-conscious answer to plastic pollution, one of our planet's most urgent environmental issues. Snazo Nzama and Elihle Msomi working on their AquaCrusader, an AI-powered robot designed to collect microplastics from aquatic environments. Image: Supplied Snazo Nzama and Elihle Msomi Snazo, 16, is a standout pupil, popular for his academic performance and passionate about environmental sustainability. He combines academic excellence with magical curiosity. As a passionate nature lover, Snazo regularly participates in beach clean-ups to protect the environment. In 2024, he secured 3rd place in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, alongside academic awards from earlier years. Elihle, 16, is dedicated and ambitious. He is known for his academic focus and sense of purpose. He has a passion for science and a natural talent for problem-solving. Elihle approaches every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. His vision is rooted in hope, innovation, and a belief in the power of young minds to shape the future. [email protected]
