The Capricorn-Venda Science Expo team, representing schools from the Vhembe District, performed exceptionally well during the recent Eskom Science Expo. The team visited the University of Pretoria and took part in the National Science Expo from Thursday, October 1, to Saturday, October 3.

The 29 learners came from schools such as Mbilwi Secondary School, Mutale´s St Augustine Residential School, SASA Combined and Tshikevha Christian School.

The bronze medal winners from Vhembe were Mphaga Makhado, Thavhana Mpho, Raliphaswa Tendani and Tshifaro Tondani. Maboho Maropeng, Matidza Murendeni, Mudimeli Dakalo, Nengwenda Thendo and Takalanin Limuwani were awarded silver medals. The top honours, namely gold medals, went to Dembe Mudimeli and Vhutali Nenguda.

It was during this expo competition that bursaries were awarded to three of the top Vhembe learners for their achievements at the Expo, namely to Dembe Mudimeli, Nakedar Nuaman and Vhutali Nenguda.

According to Mukwevho Khathutshelo, a member of the Capricorn-Venda Expo team, “It was a great achievement when Dembe Mudimeli and Vhutali Nenguda each received a bursary worth R20 000. We were even more excited when it was announced that Nakedar Nuaman had received a bursary worth R25 000.”

Mudimeli Dakalo was selected to represent South Africa in the ESI Africa – Reunion which will be held early in 2010.

The 2009 national finals were attended by department of education officials, Eskom representatives and the minister of Science and Technology, Ms Grace Naledi Pandor, who encouraged young learners to take the science and technology field very seriously.

Schools that would like to join the group or find out more about the Science Expo can contact Mr Nelson Mphaga at 082 512 9138.