SAASTA getSETgo, October 2012: Quantum leap for Limpopo learner

SAASTA is the implementing agency for the South African Quantum Physics Project, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

As part of the project, learners from across the country enter into an annual competition in which they are required to write an essay related to quantum physics. The learner who submits the best essay is sponsored to travel to the International Summer School for Young Physicists (YSSYP) in Canada.


Ntsoko Mulaudzi views the SNORCAT robot at the North Science Centre exhibition.		Learners in mine gear at SNOLAB, an underground physics laboratory.

The YSSYP is an exciting and challenging two-week programme for Canadian and international high school learners with a keen interest in theoretical physics, and who intend to pursue physics studies at university level. The 2012 ISSYP, which took place in Waterloo, Ontario, was hosted by a leading theoretical physics research centre, the Perimeter Institute.

This year's competition was won by Ntsoko Mulaudzi, a learner from Dendron High School in Limpopo. SAASTA's Aaron Nkosi chaperoned Ntsoko on his momentous trip to Canada to participate in the ISSYP Camp.

Ntsoko thoroughly enjoyed the lectures given by various Perimeter Institute researchers. "We discussed hot topics in theoretical physics like the superstring theory, quantum computing, special relativity, general relativity, dark energy and dark matter," he explained.

The participating learners moreover attended mini-courses in modern physics designed to deepen their insight into Einstein's ideas and the quantum nature of the universe. Ntsoko formed part of a mentoring group that discussed the quantum field theory. The group had to design a poster summarising what they had learnt during the mentoring sessions. They were then called on to present the poster to theoretical physicists working at the Institute.


Young physicists in the making – the learners who participated in the 2012 International Summer School for Young Physicists, with their instructors.		The learners attended mini-courses in modern physics designed to deepen their insight into Einstein's ideas and the quantum nature of the universe.

Other activities included hands-on practicals and tours of neighbouring research facilities such as the Institute for Quantum Computing and SNOLAB, an underground physics laboratory.

SAASTA's Aaron Nkosi described the trip as a life-changing experience. "The camp was an eye-opener for me and clearly brought home the message that no one is ever too young, or too old, to learn as long as that person can think and reason."