Western Cape learners raised the bar in the 2024 Laager Rooibos Design and Science competitions, showcasing creative and sustainable ideas. From eco-friendly science solutions to stunning designs, young talent is making an impact.
The Laager Schools Design and Science competitions are organised by Laager Rooibos – a popular brand known for its premium rooibos tea products – in collaboration with The Creative Space and TDL Advertising.
The competitions, which form part of the Western Cape department of education’s curriculum, leverage the so-called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) framework to inspire and challenge learners to push boundaries in both design and science.
Laager Rooibos marketing manager Candice Sessions highlighted the importance of these competitions in providing young people with a platform to express their potential.
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“Our youth have such incredible potential in the science and art sectors,” she said. “We wanted to provide a platform to not only support the development in these two areas –particularly in connection with South Africa’s homegrown rooibos tea – but to also give them an audience.
“Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking. We hope they continue breaking barriers throughout their educational careers.”
Design competition sparks creativity
The Laager Schools Design competition encouraged students to creatively reflect the Laager Rooibos brand’s colours and logo in both 2D visual designs and 3D product designs.
What began in 2022 with just three schools has grown to nine schools in 2024, with 42 learners displaying their inspired creations. The designs were judged based on originality, creativity, and relevance to the Laager Rooibos theme.
In the Handmade Design category, the top spots were claimed by: Jaco van Staden from Hermanus High School (first place), Gabriela Oaten from Milnerton High School (second place), and Leyra Jacob from Hermanus High School (third place).
In the Digital Design category, which saw intense competition, the winners were Milah Derks from Parel Vallei High School (first place), Nikayla Eales from Parel Vallei High School (second place), and Casper Wepenar from Hoërskool PJ Olivier in third place.
Science competition tackles sustainability
The Laager Schools Science competition focused on sustainable solutions, asking learners from Hawston Secondary School and Northcliff House College to find innovative ways to recycle Laager Rooibos tea for home or garden use.
With funding for testing equipment, a refurbished Wendy House science laboratory, and extra classes under the guidance of science teachers, learners embraced the challenge of coming up with eco-friendly ways to reuse Rooibos tea.
The competition, which ran from 17 July to 18 September, involved students formulating research questions, planning experiments, monitoring results, and documenting their findings through reports, tables, and graphs. The top winner in the science research competition was Vision Nemulodi from Northcliff House College.
In addition to the top prize winners, the event also acknowledged special mentions for outstanding efforts, including Ahluma Tongo and Qpkalawa Phelokazi from Chris Hani High School, Ivy Kim from Hermanus High School, and Skyela Smith from Milnerton High School.
As a token of appreciation for their remarkable work, all participants received certificates, with the top finishers awarded Laager Rooibos hampers, cash prizes, and design kits.
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