Altogether, three winners announced in the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Science Learning Centre for Africa (SLCA) Art Competition hail from Langa and Khayelitsha respectively.
 

Grade 7 learner from Nkazimlo Primary, Lutho Benja was the overall winner of the science art competition which formed part of the programme. One of the adjudicators commented: “A striking painting (multimedia) showing a screaming human face, suffocated by technology. This is remarkable for a Gr 7 learner.”

?The winner of the technology category was grade 7 learner, Elam Quanta, ?from Nkazimlo Primary?. Adjudicators described his work as a striking and artistic painting of a “robot-man. ?His win secured a VIP tour to the Iziko Museums and Planetarium (inclusive of transport and lunch) for all science learners at his school.

Abongile Maqoko is a grade 11 learner from Kulani Secondary in Langa who was the winner in the Mathematics category. ?His still life drawing done in charcoal is about the role of Mathematics in our daily lives. ?Adjudicators said the calculator depicts mathematics, the glass with water depicts everyday use, because water is required daily.

Above the calculator are the unresolved issues of life - objects, words and reality - which indicate that without Mathematics, all are unresolved and unstable, but through Mathematics (calculator) they take on form - life happens. The artwork communicates that life exist?s because of Mathematics.

The competition was open to all learners in the Western Cape, who could enter individually or in groups of two to four in only one of three categories: The role of science in our daily lives; The role of mathematics in our daily lives; or, Coding and robotics, and artificial intelligence, in our changing world.

Any medium, including paint, pencil or pastels could be used on an A2-size poster. Learners could also design an electronic poster.

Jesse Barendse, a grade 12 learner of De Kuilen High School, was the winner of the technology category with her artwork themed, “Will AI (artificial intelligence) surpass any boundaries?”

In a note from the competition committee, Jesse is lauded for her exceptional talent, creativity, and imagination. “Your artwork stood out among an impressive array of submissions, captivating the judges and leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of viewing it.

“Your passion for combining science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and everything in between has not only made your artwork unique, but also reflects the essence of the STEAME movement. Your ability to blend various disciplines in such a seamless and thought-provoking manner is truly commendable,” it states.

The SLCA received 39 entries from 16 schools. Eight adjudicators individually assessed the artwork and individual scores were entered onto an Excel sheet to calculate averages. Criteria included conceptualisation, creativity, technical skill, visual impact, and alignment to the theme.

The adjudicators were Chad Frans (convener); Prof Josef de Beer, Zaino Allie, Shafiek Dinie, Gasant Gamiet, Tswakae Sebotsa, Dr Mark Herbert and Bako Audu. Individual prizes included LegoBoost Robotics kits, tablets and smartphones.