The competition saw learners from different schools across the country compete for prizes, including a grand prize of R1 million for STEM Laboratory Equipment. The event kicked off with learners working on their robot building projects with the help of their teachers and mentors. The two-day event culminated in a gala dinner where the winners were announced.
The winners
Ozias Dachana High School from Limpopo emerged as the overall winner, scooping the grand prize of
R1.1 million for their prototype, which was designed to deliver food and medicine to the elderly and send SOS messages. The second prize was taken by Bredasdorp High School from the Western Cape, which won R600 000 in Cyber Lab Equipment for their prototype of a fall monitor for the elderly, which will assist with the fall detection, timer for medication, temperature detection, and tracking to see if a person has wandered from their room.
The third prize of R300 000 in Cyber Lab Equipment went to Ntulabakayise Secondary School from KwaZulu-Natal for their robotic tractor, which was designed to assist the community during rainy days when travel is difficult due to poor road conditions.
The team from Bredasdorp High School took second place.
According to Dr Mncedisi Bembe, a lecturer at UMP's School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, the event was a success as it allowed learners to showcase their hard work and creativity. He added that the aim of helping rural schools to develop and enhance their knowledge in the robotics space was achieved. All participants were awarded vouchers for their contribution and an opportunity to participate in the field of robotics.
Delegates who attended the event included the Department of Basic Education, SITA, UMP School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, SABC TV, and other participants.
The competition was a step in the right direction towards promoting STEM education in South Africa, and it is hoped that more events like this will be organized in the future to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
@ Story by UMP School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Pictures Supplied.