A celebration of the 40-year anniversary of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was held at the Central University Technology (CUT), Welkom, Free State Province on 15 August 2026. The Welkom Regional Science Fair has seen many young scientists from the Welkom region win at the International Science Fair (ISF) and even represent South Africa overseas.

The Welkom region has a good support structure in place, which has encouraged all other regions to follow suit and utilise all the resources they have available. There were 95 projects presented on the day, and the learners were selected from over 200 projects at the District Expo during April and May 2026.

Seven lucky learners will go on to represent this region again at the International Science Fair, which will be held in Boksburg from 29 September to 2 October 2026. It is quite an achievement to be around for four decades of inspiring young scientists said Mr Parthy Chetty, the Executive Director of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. He also gave thanks and appreciation to guests, educators, organisers, judges, volunteers, sponsors, parents, and above all, aspiring innovators, and young scientists. Gifts were presented for the winner’s awards from Grades 4 to 12 achieving: bronze, silver, gold awards, and sponsorship awards for the learners in their different categories of the competition.

Mr Fana Masinda from the Maths Science and Technology Grant, delivered an inspiring and warm message on behalf of the Department of Basic Education. He awarded certificates and many other prizes at the winner’s awards and in his speech said: “Basic Education is proud to work in collaboration with the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM). This collaboration continues to inspire learners to investigate real life problems and everyday challenges, develop innovative solutions, and apply scientific thinking to improve their communities, the country, and the rest of the world.”