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National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)

The NSTF Brilliants Programme

The NSTF Brilliants Programme recognises at least 18 first-year students studying in the science, medicine and engineering fields. A young man and woman are chosen from each of the 9 provinces. These students must have received top marks in mathematics and physical science in the National Senior Certificate Examinations (grade 12) of the previous year. They are identified by the national Department of Basic Education, and selected by the NSTF.

Who are the current Brilliants students?

Ms Heila Tara Oosthuizen

Eastern Cape

Hoërskool Framesby MBChB (Medicine) Stellenbosch University (SU)

Mr Sandiso Mcoseleli Gwanya

Eastern Cape

Jojo Senior Secondary School MBChB (Medicine) University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

Ms Rearabetswe Angel Motselebane

Free State

Senakangwedi SS MBChB (Medicine) University of Free State (UFS)

Mr Kamohelo Katleho Neo Mosikili

Free State

Selelekela SS BSc (Computer Science, Data Science & Statistics) University of Cape Town (UCT)

Ms Nompumelelo Amkelo Hlongwane

Gauteng

Katlehong Technical Senior Sec BEng (Chemical Engineering) UCT

Ms Romana Suliman

Gauteng

Lenasia Secondary School MBChB (Medicine) University of Witwatersrand (Wits)

Mr Lebogang Usher Selepe

Gauteng

Phateng Secondary School MBChB (Medicine) UCT

Ms Nomfundo Neliswa Mthembu

KwaZulu-Natal

MBChB (Medicine) UCT

Mr Bonukwenza Thandolwethu Mtshali

KwaZulu-Natal

Kadwa Secondary School MBChB (Medicine) UCT

Ms Maite Fiona Komane

Limpopo

Mmalesiba Secondary School MBChB (Medicine) Sefako Makgatho Health Science University (SMU)

Mr Rialivhuwa Khakhu

Limpopo

Thengwe Secondary School BSc (Computer Science and Computer Engineering) UCT

Ms Nina Venter

Mpumalanga

Hoërskool Nelspruit BSc (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology) SU

Ms Faith Nonkazimulo Mdlovu

Mpumalanga

Khutsalani Secondary School MBChB (Medicine) University of Pretoria (UP)

Mr Hlompho Innocent Abel Matuludi

Mpumalanga

Somsuswa Secondary School BEng (Aeronautical Engineering) Wits

Ms Nompumelelo Menyatso

North West

Boitekong Ii Secondary School BEng (Civil Engineering) UCT

Mr Ofentse Collen Mdau

North West

Zacharia Mankgatleng Secondary School BSc (Applied Mathematics) University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Ms Corlene Maass

Northern Cape

Hoërskool Duineveld BSc (Biomedical Mathematical Sciences) SU

Mr Amogelang Katlego Modisadife

Northern Cape

High School Thabane BSc (Physics and Geology) UJ

Ms Melissa Muller

Western Cape

Rhenish Girls’ High School BEng (Mechatronics Engineering) SU

Mr Jared Ryan Benn

Western Cape

Wynberg Boys High School BEng (Chemical Engineering) SU

Past Brilliants Awardees

2023 Brilliants Students
2022 Brilliants Students
2021 Brilliants Students
2020 Brilliants Students
2019 Brilliants Students
2018 Brilliants Students
2017 Brilliants Students
2016 Brilliants Students
2015 Brilliants Students

The aims of the Brilliants Programme

Inspire and motivate

Through a speakers’ programme (workshop) and tour of science related sites and facilities:

  • To inspire and motivate young talented people with exposure to SET in the field, contact with potential role models and mentors, and advice from experts who can address their concerns
 
  • To inspire top students to complete their science, engineering and technology (SET) studies
 
  • To encourage top students to pursue a career in SET

  • To provide advice for successful studies and careers

Recognition

  • To recognise and honour top performers some of whom have received very little acknowledgement, especially in disadvantaged areas and schools. The recognition includes publicity for the Brilliants Programme, the students and their provinces. The details of the programme and the winning students are also part of the annual NSTF Awards ‘Who’s Who’ booklet
 
  • To reward top performers with sponsored travel and accommodation, a special ceremony, and recognition by representatives of government departments and sponsors

Bursaries

  • To identify top performers studying without bursaries – simply because they did not know they could apply for bursaries in Grade 12 – and assist them in finding bursaries
 
  • Awarding bursaries sponsored by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
 

The reason for the Brilliants Programme

Top results in Grade 12 do not guarantee success. Many school leavers and even graduates struggle to find appropriate work and direction in their lives. This is a concern for SET industries, professionals and for the NSTF. In particular, the NSTF tries to encourage students to complete their studies in science or engineering as far as they possibly can (preferably up to PhD level). The NSTF also tries to motivate students to find their way into one of the many interesting and fulfilling positions in the National System of Innovation (which includes scientific research, engineering and industry).

How the Brilliants awardees are chosen

The Brilliants Programme consists of 18 bright first year students with a passion for science, registered at South African universities for SET-related qualifications. The NSTF requests the lists of top performers in physical science (in the National Senior Certificate) from all the provincial education departments. Two top students from each province are selected, a young man and woman, based on their performance in both mathematics and physical science, as well as their chosen field of study. Only students who matriculated at public schools are selected. The Ministry and Department of Basic Education have given their support to the Brilliants Programme for many years.

Valuable programme

The Brilliants programme (previously called the Education Recognition Programme) has proven to be a valuable project. Many deserving previously-disadvantaged students have been inspired and motivated, as well as often helped to obtain bursaries.

Why the NSTF runs the Brilliants programme

It is critical for the future of our country that enough good passes in matric maths and physical science are produced. Furthermore that some of these young people choose studies and careers in the sciences, medicine and engineering.

Make your organisation part of the Brilliants Programme

If you would like to participate in the workshop to inspire and give advice to bright young people, or offer a tour of your facilities, contact the NSTF office at enquiries@nstf.org.za.

NSTF Brilliants Programme 

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

The NSTF welcomes collaboration with other organisations, such as those that have been
partnering with the programme for many years:

Motivational and Role Model Talks Programme

Click Here >

London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)

Click Here >

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