Top STEM matriculants choose UCT

Almost one-third of the National Science and Technology Forum’s (NSTF) top 19 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) matriculants from 2021 were accepted to study at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

These first-year students, who are all studying STEM-related courses at various universities, are part of the NSTF’s Brilliants programme, now in its 21st year.

One top male and one top female learner from each of the provinces (three were chosen from Mpumalanga, the result of a tie) was chosen by the NSTF for their 2021/2022 NSTF Brilliants programme. This supports young South Africans who have the potential to be future STEM leaders and innovators.

Of the 19, six (three females and three males) are at UCT. Half are registered with the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment and half with the Faculty of Health Sciences. One of the students is from the Eastern Cape, one is from the Free State, two are from Limpopo and two are from Mpumalanga.

Each of the 19 impressed with their marks in mathematics and physical science in the 2021 National Senior Certificate examinations. Two of the three Mpumalanga candidates scored 100% for physical science and one got 100% for mathematics.

One of the awardees’ rewards is an educational tour sponsored by the Lewis Foundation.

The sponsors of the Brilliants programme are South32 in the Department of Science and Innovation and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.