In August 2023 Joshua Combrink wrote the South African Science Olympiad. He achieved 4th position nationally and was selected to write a further test to determine SA representation status at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this test he achieved 2nd position nationally and was selected to represent the country with three other students: Gugu Mhlongo, Dylan Buys and Giana Govender.
The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an annual competition for the world’s most talented chemistry students at the secondary school level. Nations around the world send a team of four students who are tested on their chemistry knowledge and skills in a five-hour laboratory practical exam and a five-hour written theoretical examination that are held on separate days with the practical examination usually being before the theoretical examination.
Each delegation consists of up to four students and two mentors, one of whom is designated as the head of the delegation or “head mentor.” A delegation may also include a handful of guests and scientific observers. https://www.icho2024.sa/
UKZN professors, Ajay Bissessur and Bice Martincigh spent time equipping the students through lectures and practicals in the weeks leading up to their departure.
They flew to Saudi Arabia on 20 July and joined teams from over 80 countries this year. The opening ceremony took place on Monday, 22 July. On Wednesday, 24 July the students will do a 5-hour practical examination. On Friday, 26 July a 5-hour theoretical examination will be written. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 29 July.
