Eskom Expo invited the DBE to participate in the Eskom Expo National Training Session, held from 13 to 15 February 2026, marking the first and critical planning phase of the 2026 programme. As South Africa’s largest science fair for school learners, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has, since its establishment in 1980, created a national platform for young innovators to investigate real-world challenges through scientific inquiry.
Each year, learners progress from district and regional levels across all nine provinces to the prestigious International Science Fair, which will be hosted in South Africa later this year. The 2026 rollout will unfold through Ideation Workshops (January–March), District Expos (March–May), Regional Expos (July–August), and culminate in the International Science Fair (September–October), ensuring structured, progressive learner development from concept to global stage.
Earlier this year, local young scientists were awarded gold and silver medals at the Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium that took place in New Delhi, India during January 2026. The event served as a prestigious platform for top-performing students to present scientific solutions to real-world challenges, particularly in environmental sustainability and assistive technology.
Nkanteko Moyane, 15, from Daleview Secondary School in Gauteng was awarded a gold medal for the research project, “ECOHARVEST: Integrated Phytoremediation for contaminated soil and mining wastewater,” which showed that phytoremediation works. Jivesh Ramnath, 18, from Hoërskool Richardsbaai in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, was the silver medal winner for his research project, “JØ7 Vireo: Development of a low-cost AI-powered navigation device for the blind and visually impaired”, which enables blind and visually impaired persons to perceive their environment through real time object identification and distance awareness. Additionally, Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, both 17, from King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, were awarded Participation Awards for their research project, “Double Trouble, Double Solution: Neutralising acids and plastics with nature’s help.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Mr Parthy Chetty, said: “Eskom Expo is proud to have supported these young scientists, as investing in their growth strengthens our country’s future by cultivating leaders who will drive technological advancement, sustainability, and positive social impact. Their achievements stand as an inspiration to learners across South Africa, to participate in the Eskom Expo and to explore the boundless opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI).”
Registration to participate in the Eskom Expo is open. School learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students, can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za