The first “Mayor’s Science and Innovation Fair” held on Saturday 14 October at the Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory saw two Bishops boys claim third prize for their sustainable scientific innovation. This new event aims to develop Cape Town’s science and tech ecosystem by celebrating and rewarding young innovators.
David Lewis and Noah McNab of Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosch won their position for their impeccable carbon capture method to combat climate change by removing CO² from the atmosphere and turning the by-product of this process into soap.
Speaking to this achievement, McNab (16) said: “We are truly honoured to have come third. It’s a surreal feeling – having all our hard work paid off. This project stemmed from both David’s and my love for science, but also how science could be used in the South African context.”
They hope that this project is a stepping stone to make progress in South Africa and to use science to help the planet and help people who may need a helping hand.
“After all, if science doesn’t help people, then what is the point of it all?” McNab wondered out loud.
Their leader and principal of Bishops Tony Reeler told People’s Post: “I’m immensely proud of these two boys, they’ve done amazingly.
“I mean, they are young brilliant scientists still at school level with ideas, research and work that would benefit our future on such a sophisticated level… applying high-level science principles with research applications and speaking to such relevant innovations related to current problems.”
Reelers’ sentiments of admiration have no bounds and he simply concluded that: “I’m… I’m just soproudof these boys!”
Speaking at his fair, City Mayor City Geordin Hill-Lewis said they, too, were extremely impressed with the innovative thinking on display at the very first Mayor’s Science and Innovation Fair for Grade 8 – 11 learners.
“Congratulations to the bright young minds who took home prizes, and to all schools and learners who contributed their innovative projects addressing real-world challenges[…] We want Cape Town to be known as the leading hub of science and innovation on the African continent – we want our city to become synonymous with technological advancement and resourceful innovation in solving society’s challenges,” Hill-Lewis declared.
His wishes are for the city to stand at the forefront of global progress when it comes to solving challenges in energy, sustainability, transport, food security, water security, housing, manufacturing, medicine, education and many more fields.
“And for us to do that, we will need a whole generation of innovators and problem solvers – people who know how to embrace new technology, people who have a drive to make a difference.”
The first place was won by Kayden Biernacki from Parklands College, in Parklands, for testing a prototype device to help distracted students focus better in class using vibration alerts.
The runner-up in second place was Aaliyah Sablay from Star College, in Sybrand Park, for innovative solutions to preventing street light cable theft, including during load shedding, and enhancing energy efficiency of street light networks.
