Young Innovator from KZN Wins Top Science Award for Cell Phone Tower Power Solution
A young innovator from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has made headlines for his groundbreaking research project that addresses the problem of unreliable cell phone tower power during load shedding. Hamilton, a 12-year-old who hails from KZN, was recently honored at the 43rd Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) for his remarkable work. His project utilizes renewable energy sources like solar and wind power as backup solutions for cell phone towers during periods of power outages.
Hamilton’s inspiration for this project stemmed from observing the negative impact on his community caused by poor network coverage during load shedding. He noticed that after big storms in summer, the network would be down for hours or even days. Determined to find a solution, Hamilton decided to leverage renewable energy resources to tackle this electricity issue.
His innovative approach caught the attention of the judges at the ISF, leading to him being awarded the prestigious HJ Award along with a cash prize of R9,000. This was Hamilton’s first time participating in the ISF, making his victory all the more remarkable. In addition to the top award, he also received a Bronze medal for his research project.
Reflecting on his experience at the Eskom Expo ISF, Hamilton expressed his gratitude for being part of such a renowned platform for young scientists. He was thrilled to interact with like-minded individuals and appreciated the support of his team throughout the process. The Special Awards evening was particularly memorable for Hamilton, who felt immensely honored to receive such a significant recognition.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Hamilton has diverse interests that include building electrical and paper-based structures, playing chess, swimming, reading scientific books, and conducting small experiments. Despite his young age, Hamilton has clear aspirations for his future. He dreams of becoming an electrical engineer or a mathematics teacher, aiming to make a difference through his knowledge and expertise in these fields.
Eskom, as a steadfast supporter of the Eskom Expo, was delighted to witness the growth and success of the event over the years. The company firmly believes that investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI) play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by South Africa. The ISF showcased the remarkable ingenuity of young learners who explored a wide array of topics, ranging from behavioral studies to cutting-edge technological experiments.
According to the Executive for Government and Regulatory Affairs at Eskom, the ISF provides a platform for uncovering enduring solutions to national challenges. He commended the youthful insight displayed by Hamilton and emphasized the importance of the Eskom Expo in nurturing exceptional scientific talent. Hamilton’s project exemplified creativity and the ability to think beyond the confines of the school curriculum. His dedication to conducting extensive research independently is a testament to the quality of learners produced by the Eskom Expo.
Hamilton’s achievement is especially noteworthy considering his rural upbringing, where resources are limited compared to major cities. However, this did not deter him from thinking innovatively and pursuing his ideas. The Eskom Expo continues to inspire hope for a brighter future, showcasing brilliant engineering concepts like Hamilton’s.
By recognizing and celebrating young talents like Hamilton, we pave the way for remarkable innovations and progress in South Africa. The Eskom Expo International Science Fair stands as a testament to the power of STEMI education and its ability to shape the future of the nation. As we nurture and support young minds, we move closer to unlocking solutions to our country’s most pressing challenges.
