SLGS Triumphs at Chevron ELP in South Africa

Maclean Neville of the Sierra Leone Grammar School (SLGS) has clinched the star prize at the 2025 Chevron Engineers Leaders Program (ELP), held at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Neville emerged as the overall winner among a competitive group of young aspiring engineers from across the continent, earning praise for his innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills during the intensive program.

The Chevron ELP is a prestigious leadership and engineering development initiative that brings together Africa’s brightest secondary school students to build skills in STEM, teamwork, and ethical leadership.

The achievement also highlights the strength of the SLGS delegation, whose collective performance impressed the panel and peers alike.

“This is a proud moment not just for Maclean but for the entire SLGS community,” said a school representative. “Their dedication and excellence truly stood out on the continental stage.”

The victory marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s youth in STEM and leadership spaces and reinforces the growing impact of academic institutions like SLGS in shaping the continent’s future innovators.

Chrispus Charles Macauley for The Town Crier Newspaper

A Johannesburg Explosion That Killed 1, Injured 48

CCTV capture the moment the explosion happened on Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa: Wednesday, July 19, 2023: 

One man died, and at least 48 people were injured after a suspected underground gas explosion ripped open roads and flipped vehicles in the heart of South Africa's biggest city, authorities, and emergency services said Thursday.

The moment the explosion happened on Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg. Taxis' lifted into the air due to the impact of the blast, and chaos ensued as terrified pedestrians scrambled for cover

The City of Johannesburg has confirmed the CBD explosion was caused by gas. But they are yet to determine the source of that gas. The city has also ruled out illegal mining. 

Human rights lawyer Richard Spoor believes sewer gas is the cause of the explosion. He says this is likely due to poor tunnel ventilation and has significant consequences. 'These kinds of explosions only occur when you get an explosive mixture of gas in the tunnels,' he said. You get these kinds of mixtures if the tunnel is not ventilated correctly —the risks of explosions are well-known and well-understood.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urges residents and motorists to avoid the area due to fears of a possible secondary collapse. 'We are concerned about people who might be tempted to come to the area,' he said.