THE Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Awards took place in Sandton, Johannesburg, yesterday to honour young up-and-coming designers as well as seasoned talent.

The awards, which showcase designs focused on energy efficiency, have been in existence since 1999.

Four category winners were announced at the ceremony.

Nine-year-old Thomas Granig walked away with the Most Promising Young Designer award for his "LED Envirolight" design.

He was the bright spark who beat other aspiring scientists in Okuhle Ngewu, Anais van Zyl, Cari Niehaus and Antoinette Jordaan.

Another notable designer was Okuhle Ngewu of Eastern Cape. Ngewu, 16, said he was inspired by his teacher to enter the competition. He said he originally planned to build a lamp from a Pokemon character but changed his mind.

"I was watching the news and throughout the week they were broadcasting about the rhino crisis, and I abandoned my original idea," he said.

Ngewu said most of the youth don't know that the black rhino is an endangered species and that he wanted to highlight this to them.

His Black Rhino design was made from five-litre bottles, wire and cotton wool.

"I didn't think I would get this far," he said. "This is my first time designing anything. It is a big achievement."

Meanwhile, the top award, the Innovative Energy Efficient Lighting Design, was won by Justus Liebenberg, who walked away with R40000, a prestigious Sparks trophy and an iPad. Tanya Smit won the Student Category award with her Tri-Lum Luminaire design, earning her R30000. The Most Promising Designer award was taken by Solomon van Belling for his Tree of Light design. - nkosin@sowetan.co.za