FUTURE mathematicians, engineers, astronauts and physicists were honoured during the 2011 National Science Olympiad in Johannesburg recently.

It is organised by the SA Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (Saasta) on behalf of the National Research Foundation. It is sponsored by Harmony Gold.

In March maths and science tests were set for 24000 Grade 11 and 12 learners from South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The top-achieving learners who will attend the London International Youth Science Forum from July 27 to August 10, are:

- Shavan Sookdeo of Star College, KwaZulu-Natal, for physical science.

- Martinette Rossouw of Hoërskool Delmas, Mpumalanga, for life sciences.

- Danielle Prinsloo of Delmas High School in Mpumalanga, for physical science.

- Jason Saroni of African Leadership Academy, Gauteng for life sciences;

- Phuti Chokoe of Shakoleng Secondary School, Limpopo, for physical sciences.

The brainy learners who will attend the Science Focus Week event in Australia in January 2012, are:

- John Keto and Tion Chon Dong, African Leadership Academy, Gauteng for physical science and life sciences, respectively, and

- Esmané Steyn of Queenstown Girls High, Eastern Cape, for physical science.