The Department of Basic Education (DBE), through the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Directorate, will be conducting monitoring and support visits to the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Regional Expos taking place across the country.
The purpose of these visits is to monitor the implementation of the programme; support participating learners, educators and provincial coordinators; engage with stakeholders; and showcase the innovative work of learners through the Department's various communication platforms to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI) education; and to identify best practices and areas requiring support ahead of the International Science Fair. The 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Regional Expos will be celebrating significant milestones achieved since its inception in 1980, recognising their contribution to promoting scientific research, innovation and excellence amongst South African learners throughout the past years.
Young scientists from across the Nkangala region showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Regional Science Fair, at Witbank High School in eMalahleni on 25 July 2026, featuring 200 projects, including group projects, presented by 239 learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students at NC(V) Level 2-4. The following young scientists were honoured with prestigious Special Awards sponsored by Eskom, and received smart watches: Best Female Award was presented to Faatimah Osman from Middelburg Muslim School for her project, Turning plastic waste into stronger roads; Best Innovation Award went to Makhensa Baloyi from Mapala Secondary School for a Built-in carjacking system; Best Energy Project Award went to Hamza Loonat from Hoërskool Middelburg for Lighting homes together: Solar sharing; and the Best Development Project Award went to Naledi Makaleng from Mapala Secondary School for a Hydraulic house project.
Young scientists from across the Bethlehem region also showcased their creativity at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Regional Science Fair, at New Horizon College in Harrismith on 25 July 2026, the Regional Science Fair featured 156 projects, including group projects, presented by 221 learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students NC(V) Level 2-4. The award recipients were: Best Female Award was presented to Natasha Mwewa from Beacon Secondary School and Boitumelo Mafanyolle and Realeboha Moloi from Sentinel Primary School; Best Energy Project went to Tumelo Thateng from Beacon Secondary School; Best Innovation Project went to Lereko Mokhehle and Bohlokoa Finger from Sentinel Primary School; and Best Development Project was presented to Khatliso Mosotho and Reatile Mavundla from Beacon Secondary School.
Participants advanced to the Regional Science Fair after taking part in a range of Eskom Expo activities throughout the year, including workshops and compulsory District Expos, where they received valuable guidance and feedback from judges, mentors and STEMI professionals. Through the Eskom Development Foundation’s continued investment and support in Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators are being nurtured. Eskom Expo Executive Director, Mr Parthy Chetty encouraged parents and teachers to attend a Regional Science Fair in their area with their children and learners to experience firsthand the creativity and innovation of South Africa’s young scientists, and to inspire the next generation of researchers to participate in next year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. For additional information about dates and venues click on: www.exposcience.co.za