Ideemakers will premiere on kykNET on Friday (3/4), focusing on young scientists and their innovative projects. The series will highlight the importance of science, research, and sustainability in benefiting communities, featuring young innovators who participated in the Tritech Science Exposition.

It ultimately tells the stories of learners preparing for and participating in the Tritech national finals, offering viewers a glimpse into the innovation, resilience, and potential of South Africa’s youth.

Tritech is a national science competition that allows Grade 7 to 12 learners from across South Africa to showcase their research abilities. The series was launched through a collaboration between the University of the Free State and kykNET on Wednesday (18/3) at the Naval Hill Planetarium.

“This series is about facts and science, but also about real stories, stories of children and what they are capable of,” said UFS research, innovation, and postgraduate studies deputy vice chancellor Vasu Reddy. “By sharing these experiences, we inspire young people to embrace what is possible.

“Ideemakers reflects a broader effort to break down barriers, whether linguistic, academic, or social, and to build bridges between communities and institutions.”

It’s not simply a series about the University of the Free State; it is about our country, our continent, and our future leaders, he said.

UFS Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry director Dr Mariana Erasmus said the initiative is about making science accessible and inspiring to young people. “The whole aim of the university’s involvement is to promote science among school children and show them that science is within reach.”

Tritech aims to teach three things: to teach them the scientific method, to teach them how to use technology, and to identify a problem in their community, but also to communicate the results and what they have learnt in the project to the community.

“Through this, we empower children,” she added. “We show them that science is not out of reach and that they can use it to make a difference.”  The project wishes to encourage young people to take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects at the school level.

Producer Charlene Stanley said the creative vision behind Ideemakers was rooted in hope. “I want viewers to walk away feeling inspired. Young people are often seen as a lost generation, but what we saw is the opposite: young minds full of ideas, passion, and a willingness to solve problems.

“Children are candid, creative, and unpredictable. That made the storytelling even more powerful.”

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame