Mbilwi pupil to attend London Science programme

A Grade 12 pupil from Mbilwi Secondary School, Risuna Rivombo, will be flying to London at the end of this month for a high-powered, two-week-long science enrichment programme.

Risona took part in the 52nd National Science Olympiad and was named the winner in the Physical Science category. The awards ceremony took place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, three weeks ago.

The ceremony honours South Africa’s top young science pupils from schools in rural and township areas. Risona hails from the troubled Vuwani area. She obtained 70% in physical science in the category for pupils from previously disadvantaged schools. She joins three other pupils, Jacqui James from Victoria Girls High School in the Eastern Cape, Angus Thring from Bishops High School in the Western Cape and Ruth Purcell from St Mary’s DSG, Kloof in KwaZulu-Natal. The four of them will attend a two-week expedition at the London International Youth Science Forum.

The competition was established in 1964, initially for Grade 12 pupils. The main objectives of the competition are to source talent and promote excellence in science education. Pupils are also encouraged to follow careers in science and technology.

“I will get an opportunity to meet top science learners from countries from all over the world,” said an excited Rivombo. “I will visit industries, Oxford university and also get an opportunity to see many science shows,” she added.

On behalf of the school, the principal, Mr Nyambeni Lidzhade, said that they wished her a fruitful and safe journey to London. “She put the name of Mbilwi on the international map,” the principal added.

“She joined the school in Grade 8 and she always showed great interest in science and maths. She always used to get position one in a class of 400 learners,” said the principal.

“She set a great example to other pupils from disadvantaged schools that success is not determined by where you come from, but what you do to be successful,” the principal added.

News - Date: 23 July 2016

Mbulaheni Ridovhona

The 22-year-old Mbulaheni (Gary) Ridovhona has been passionate about journalism to the extent that he would buy himself a copy of weekly Univen students' newsletter, Our Voice. After reading, he would write stories about his rural village, Mamvuka, and submit them to the very newsletter for publication. His deep-rooted love for words and writing saw him register for a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at the University of Venda, and joined the Limpopo Mirror team in February 2016 as a journalism intern.

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