The South Africa Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) in collaboration with Harmony honoured top learners on Thursday 26 September 2019, celebrating the 55th annual National Science Olympiad (NSO) awards ceremony. The event took place at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)’s International Convention Centre, Pretoria, in Gauteng.

The awards ceremony brought together learners from different schools across the country and Zimbabwe. The awards ceremony celebrated top primary school and high school learners.

These learners have been battling it out in various science competitions, which include the Natural Science Olympiads, NSO, National Schools Debates and Astroquiz. The main objective of these awards is to encourage excellence in science education and stimulate interest in the sciences. This year more than 80 000 learners participated in the initiative, which involved sitting for science quizzes, exams and debate.

The elegant award ceremony unfolded well with top achievers in the spotlight and motivational speeches and talks, of encouragement from distinguished guests. Amongst the guest speakers was the international FameLab runner-up and South African winner, Keneilwe Moropa. Moropa encouraged the learners to continue majoring in science in science subjects beyond high school.

From Harmony Gold Mining Company, a key driver in this initiative and the main sponsor for ten years, Executive Director, Mashego Mashego spoke about the company’s involvement. “The truth that we all know is that our country needs more scientists, this is key for Harmony Gold Mining Company’s involvement in this project,’’ he said.

Educators and parents from different provinces also attended the event. “These learners are the pool from which we draw our future scientists, doctors and inventors,” said Nolizwi Sitsheke, one of the parents who attended the ceremony. “We are so thankful to SAASTA for the support that they give the learners, we celebrate their success, and we encourage them to continue with their studies”.

There were some memorable and magical moments as the Mamelodi String Ensemble entertained guests. The string quartet, who have performed in different countries brought the magic back home as they graced the stage to well-received applause from those in attendance.

Science Communications Manager at SAASTA and programme director for this year’s NSO, Michael Ellis, expressed his gratitude all involved. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank every learner, educators, sponsorships and NRF-SAASTA staff members who made this event successful. Today we are celebrating our young scientists who have solutions to every problem; he continued elaborating how mathematics and science are important subjects.”

The national winners from all the competitions took home prizes such as trophies, laptops and tablet computers.

INTERMEDIATE PHASE:
GRADE 4 – 6
TOP GRADE 4 LEARNER



TOP GRADE 5 LEARNER



TOP ACHIEVERS GRADE 4 – 6



SENIOR PHASE: GRADE 7 – 9
TOP GRADE 7 LEARNER



TOP GRADE 8 LEARNER



TOP ACHIEVERS GRADE 7 - 9



AWARD CATEGORY:
NATIONAL TOP 3 TEAMS [Grade 7]



NATIONAL TOP 3 TEAMS [GRADE 11]



FET PHASE: LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 10 – 12
HIGHEST PARTICIPATION IN SPONSORSHIP OF HARMONY GOLD MINING

Each school received a cheque




TOP GRADE 10 LEARNER



TOP GRADE 11 LEARNER



TOP GIRL LEARNER GRADE 10 - 12



TOP GIRL LEARNER GRADE 10 - 12 SADC



TOP ACHIEVERS GRADE 10 – 12 SADC



FET PHASE: PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 10 - 12
TOP GRADE 10 LEARNER



TOP GRADE 11 LEARNER



TOP GIRL LEARNER GRADE 10 - 12



TOP ACHIEVERS GRADE 10 – 12 SADC



TOP ACHIEVERS GRADE 10 – 12