Inspiring creativity, sustainability, and innovation, the 2024 Laager Schools Design and Science Competitions showcased the exceptional talent of Western Cape youth. Held on Saturday, 16 November, at Sandbaai Hall in Hermanus, the event brought together students who presented their remarkable creations to the public. These competitions, aligned with the WCED STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), highlighted the ingenuity and dedication of the participants.

Driving Innovation and Empowering Youth

The competitions, spearheaded by Laager Rooibos in partnership with The Creative Space and TDL Advertising, offered young learners a platform to explore their potential in science and art while celebrating South Africa's homegrown Rooibos tea. Laager Marketing Manager, Candice Sessions, stated:

"Our youth have such incredible potential in the science and art sectors, and we wanted to provide a platform to support development in these areas while giving them an audience. We’re proud of every participant’s hard work and encourage them to continue breaking barriers in their educational journeys."

Creativity Shines in the Laager Schools Design Competition

This year’s Laager Schools Design Competition encouraged learners to creatively integrate the Laager colours and logo into 2D visual communication designs and 3D product designs. From its modest beginnings with three schools in 2022, the competition expanded to include nine schools in 2024, with 42 learners presenting their visionary ideas.

Science Meets Sustainability in the Laager Schools Science Competition

Grade 9 learners from Hawston Secondary School and Northcliff House College participated in the Laager Schools Science Competition, where they tackled the challenge of finding innovative ways to recycle Laager Rooibos tea for home or garden use. Participants received resources such as funding for testing equipment, refurbished Wendy House science labs, and extra classes, all supervised by science teachers.

Between 17 July and 18 September, students conducted experiments, monitored results, and compiled comprehensive reports featuring photographs, tables, and graphs, which were proudly displayed at the event.

Celebrating the Winners of 2024

The judging panel, including Taylum Meyer (Local Life), Lee-Ann Pringle (Western Cape Education Department), Frieda Loyd (Hermanus Tourism), and Lindsay Leppan (TDL Advertising), faced the difficult task of selecting the winners. All entrants received certificates of participation, with the top performers earning Laager Rooibos hampers, cash prizes, and design kits.

Science Research Competition

• 1st Place: Vision Nemulodi from Northcliff House College

Handmade Design Category

• 1st Place: Jaco van Staden, Hermanus High School
• 2nd Place: Gabriela Oaten, Milnerton High School
• 3rd Place: Leyra Jacob, Hermanus High School

Digital Design Category

• 1st Place: Milah Derks, Parel Vallei High School
• 2nd Place: Nikayla Eales, Parel Vallei High School
• 3rd Place: Casper Wepenar, Hoërskool PJ Olivier

Special Mentions

• Ahluma Tongo and Qpkalawa Phelokazi, Chris Hani High School
• Ivy Kim, Hermanus High School
• Skyela Smith, Milnerton High School

Laager Rooibos: Promoting Health and Creativity

Laager Rooibos continues to champion both healthy living and youth development. Offering a range of Pure Rooibos and flavoured teas, including the Tea4Kidz line, Laager also shares recipes and tips through its website and social media platforms.

For more information, visit www.joekels.co.za or follow @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram.

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Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Laager Rooibos
Contact Person: Candice Sessions
Website: www.joekels.co.za

Total Words: 604

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Social Media Post

South African Youth Raise the Bar with Innovative Laager Rooibos Design and Science Competitions
Celebrating creativity and innovation! Discover how Laager Rooibos empowers South African youth to excel in design and science through inspiring competitions. #LaagerRooibos #YouthInnovation #STEAMEducation #SouthAfricaTalent #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica