Electricity and Control June 2025

COMMENT

The wonders of maths and science

O ver many years I have commented on school education, mathematics, science – and more. There are many concerns that can be raised around these subjects in the context of our own country, of course. But equally, there are moments where the light shines brightly. In this regard I have mentioned the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists as an example of an intervention that makes a significant di”erence in the lives of so many young people. It is an organisation that I have been involved with personally for decades, and I am very proud of that. Over the years the organisation has changed significantly and now has a much wider reach than before. This has placed a heavy load on the volunteers and sta” who are involved in the initiative – and o•en, we do not recognise their e”orts adequately. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientist is a”iliated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is run under the auspices of the Society for Science and the Public in the USA. Every year, learners from South Africa and some other African nations have the opportunity to compete on this remarkable stage. While acknowledging that the learners who are a”orded this opportunity are, naturally, exceptional, it is always heartening to see how capable they are of holding their own against the very best in the world. My take on this is that it is possible to produce exceptional outcomes in Basic Education if one sets one’s mind to it. This must be an opportunity for South Africa to boldly strengthen maths and science at school level, recognising these as mandatory components of a modern education – and nothing less. If we consider the topics that you will find covered in this month’s issue of Electricity + Control , it is evident that these technological fields require expertise that is grounded in maths and science knowledge

and competence. There is no other way of seeing it. If we want to produce a population of problem solvers and critical thinkers, it is to maths and science that we need to turn – rather than purely content-based subjects or rote learned outcomes. Extending the theme of the ISEF, I have also had the pleasure of judging young learners both here at home at the Eskom Expo National Finals as well as at the ISEF in the USA. I never cease to be astounded by the depth of insight and capacity to break boundaries shown by youngsters – dare I say it – before they have learned enough additional physics to understand what is not possible! It reminds one that science is an area where it is fine to be wrong. A•er all, what we are attempting to do is to develop an understanding of the world we live in – from the smallest part to the biggest part – from sub-atomic particles to the universe we find ourselves in! And as we proceed, we develop better and better models of what we observe. In some cases, we begin with purely theoretical models and then, over time, we can measure, test and improve our understanding. In others, observation also provides almost self-evident results that can be reported as our best understanding. This allows us (at least to some extent) to be able to predict outcomes of specific circumstances. That is wonderful – and it forms the basis of what we do on industrial plant – where we can design a system to produce a specific outcome. And by measuring and correcting along the way, we can be assured of that outcome. What a remarkably powerful thing to be able to do! And that is thanks to maths and science.

energy + information in industry

Editor: Leigh Darroll Design & Layout: Katlego Montsho Advertising Manager: Paul Engelbrecht Circulation: Karen Smith Editorial Technical Director: Ian Jandrell MARECHAL ELECTRIC, a longtime leader in innovative and reliable industrial electrification, now intro duces P66, an advanced high-voltage connector engineered to perform in the most demanding environments. (Read more on page 3.)

Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Managing Director: Karen Grant

Audited circulation Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar) 2025 Total print and e-editions 9 271

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Electricity+Control is supported by

Ian Jandrell PrEng IntPE(SA), BSc(Eng) GDE PhD, FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editor, SAAEs, SAEE, CESA or the Copper Development Association Africa

JUNE 2025 Electricity + Control

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