The Third World Academy of Sciences prize, presented for the first time in Lesotho, has been won by Dr Moeketsi Mpholo, a lecturer in the Physics Department of the National University of Lesotho.

Dr Mpholo was awarded a PhD by the University of Cambridge for studies in microfluid engineering in July 2004 after the same university had conferred an MPhil in microelectronic engineering in September 1997.

The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane commended participants in the exhibition, pointing out the fact that observed that most of the appliances used to produce the winning products were collected from scrap- yards. This was proof that science has the potential to reduce poverty while improving the lives of all Basotho, he said.

Awards were also presented to Maselise Ratlali, best performer in Physics Education at the NUL; Ntalo Tlebere best performer in electrical engineering at the Lerotholi Polytechnic; Piti Cassin, best performer in engineering education at the Lesotho College of Education; and Nokuthula Mangongo for best performer in science at the National Health training Centre.

Pule Makhanya of Johnson baker High School won the Lesotho Science and Mathematics Teachers Association best performer prize for secondary schools science while Tshabalala Kaota of Maboee Primary was best performer in primary schools science. Manamolela Molefi won the best performer in science at the Lesotho Agricultural College.

SA Olympiad winner Keketso Mohapeloa of Lesotho High School, also won recognition at the Exhibition. Others won prizes for being best young and adult innovators, designers and for prototype designs. 

16 September 2005