STRAP: NEWS / SCIENCE /TECHNOLOGY/RESEARCH/EDUCATION/SCHOOLS PICS: Available on request HEADING: Western Cape learners win Mintek science competition WORDCOUNT: Thursday, 11 July 2013, marked the conclusion of this year’s annual national science competition for Grade 11 and 12 learners at Mintek, an initiative aimed at inspiring the dreams and visions of South Africa’s future scientists. The learners representing the Western Cape Province scooped the 2013 Minquiz science competition. The team was made up of Bradleigh Charlton Marks from The Settlers High School, Musa Omar from Livingstone High School, James Nevin from Westerford High School and Ismail Rawoot from Bishops (Diocesan College). KwaZulu-Natal took the second place, Limpopo came third, Free State and the North West claimed the fourth and fifth place, respectively. Abiel Mngomezulu, Mintek CEO, said that Minquiz is one of the various promotion activities Mintek has aimed at raising awareness of the importance of minerals and metallurgy to South Africa. Studying physical science and mathematics in their respective schools, these learners advanced to the national competition following rigorous provincial competitions which took place in May at 11 centres throughout the nine provinces in the country. “Our mandate at Mintek includes encouraging learners to take up science-, technology- and engineering-related careers in the minerals and metallurgy sector,” Mngomezulu pointed out. Prizes for the winning teams included a one-year Quest magazine subscription sponsored by the Academy of Science of South Africa, study guides from Proverto, money and Netbooks subsidized by Exxaro and the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The Minquiz finale included exhibitions showcasing some of Mintek’s minerals processing and metallurgical engineering products to the students as well as products and services of sponsoring institutions. ENDS. About Minquiz Minquiz is a Mintek initiative aimed at encouraging interest in careers in science, engineering and technology, especially (but not exclusively) in minerals and metallurgy, as well as to promote an awareness of the importance of minerals and metallurgy to South Africa. About Mintek Mintek is South Africa’s national mineral research organisation and it is one of the world’s leading technology organisations specialising in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and related areas. Working closely with industry and other R&D institutions, Mintek provides service testwork, process development and optimisation, consulting and innovative products to clients worldwide. Minquiz Fact: Established in 1988. Initially, entrants were drawn from senior schools within a few kilometres from Mintek. A few years later the geographical base was, by popular demand, expanded to include over 100 senior schools, including those in the residential areas of Alexandra and Soweto. In 1990, Mark Shuttleworth; the entrepreneur who became the first ever South African in space in 2002, won the Minquiz competition. Issued by: Ulwazi Mgwadleka Tel: +27 11 709 4111 E-mail: [email protected] On behalf of: Mintek Private Bag X3015 Randburg 2125 JOHANNESBURG, South Africa .