Science quiz victory earns two schools brand-new laboratories
For the Siyaphambili Project, the competition was about more than identifying the brightest science minds.
For many pupils, science is often confined to textbooks and classroom theory. But for two schools in Johannesburg South, academic excellence has unlocked an opportunity that promises to transform the way future pupils experience science.
The Siyaphambili Project, a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities through education and community development, hosted its Gauteng Inter-School Natural Sciences Quiz Competition for grade 11 pupils at The Venue in Lenasia South on Thursday, June 18.
Established in 2015, the organisation operates across Gauteng, with offices in Lenasia South and Kempton Park.
Made up of seven members, the project also focuses on empowering young people through educational programmes designed to help pupils realise their full potential.
Eight schools from Johannesburg South competed in the quiz, which tested pupils on key areas of the grade 11 physical sciences curriculum, including physics and chemistry.
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The competition challenged participants to apply critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced academic environment.
According to Siyaphambili Project founder and chairperson, Florence Mweli, the initiative was created to inspire pupils to develop a passion for mathematics and science.
“The quiz competition is in an effort to make learning mathematics and science interesting for pupils to love and study, since these subjects are the backbone of the economy,” she said.
Beyond testing knowledge, the competition aimed to build pupils’ confidence, encourage teamwork, and strengthen their ability to solve problems creatively.
After an exciting contest, Orange Farm Secondary School and Protea Glen High School emerged as the winners. While every participant was recognised with a medal for their effort and commitment, the winning schools walked away with more than just top honours.
Head of public relations and marketing, Rochelle Pillay, announced that the Siyaphambili Project will build fully functional science laboratories from the ground up at both winning schools.
“The laboratories will be fully functional and allow pupils to conduct practical science experiments,” said Pillay.
The donation is expected to make a lasting impact, providing future pupils with access to practical learning opportunities that many schools struggle to offer because of limited resources.
For the Siyaphambili Project, the competition was about more than identifying the brightest science minds.
It was about proving that when young people are encouraged, challenged, and supported, they are capable of achieving remarkable things – and ensuring that today’s winners create opportunities for tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, and innovators.
