From Makhanda to Los Angeles.
This is the journey science has afforded Nombulelo Secondary School matric pupil Alutha Botha.
The 18-year-old is one of six science boffins representing SA at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from May 11 to 17.
The fair is world’s largest pre-college Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition, with more than 1,600 young scientists from around the world competing at the 2024 ISEF at the Los Angeles Convention Centre to earn prizes valued at more than R168m.
Alutha was selected following his success at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) held in October 2023.
He will present his project titled “Exploring seasonal habitat use by juvenile fish species in Algoa Bay, South Africa, using remote underwater video surveillance” at the international conference this week.
Alutha studied the behaviour of juvenile fish in different habitats within the shallow areas of Algoa Bay.
In earlier studies of these shallow coastal areas, the methods used did not allow for targeted data collection without damaging the habitats, which saw him using remote underwater videos to access the areas.
The research is an important benchmark for future studies on diversity and population counts in these specific habitats, using the technology of underwater surveillance systems.
Alutha is accompanied by other SA representatives — matric pupils Likitha Chundru, 18, from Bryanston High School in Johannesburg, Matthew Collier-Reed, 19, from Pinelands High School in Cape Town, Keamogetse Precious Monna, 17, from Ramotshere High School in Ngaka Modiri Molema, North West, and grade 11 pupils Nicholas Zhang, 17, and Zaahid Sader, 17, from UJ Metropolitan Academy in Gauteng.
Alutha’s mother, Nosithembiso, said on Sunday she was immensely proud of her son’s latest achievement.
“Since primary school he has always had a knack for science, which saw him becoming head boy later on.
“When I ask him whether he has done his homework, he just says he will and an hour later I will ask and he says, ‘it’s done, ma’.
“But to my amazement I never realised how big a deal this last project was.
“It was only once people from the school told me what he was trying to achieve that I realised its importance.
“And then, for his project to actually be selected and him now being in the US, is beyond anything we expected.
“He made us very, very proud.”
The unemployed mother of one said her soft-spoken son had big ambitions of using education to better his life.
“Life is quite tough for us and he is determined to make a difference in his life through science.
“We are small family with little means, but he is going to make it big,” she said.
Eskom Development Foundation acting chief executive Mologadi Motshele said they, too, were proud of the youngsters representing SA at the event.
“Their dedication and passion is truly inspiring, and we are confident they will represent SA with distinction on the global stage.
“The participation of these learners not only shows their individual talents, but highlights the importance of investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) education through initiatives like the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
“These youngsters are the driving force behind unlocking SA’s full potential, and their contributions to the field of science and innovation are invaluable.
“[We] believe in their ability to make a positive impact,” Motshele said.
HeraldLIVE
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