BLOEMFONTEIN – Innovation was the key word at this year’s Eskom Expo in the Bloemfontein Region when 98 learners presented their research and problem-solving skills.

The regional science fair took place on Saturday 1 August at the Boet Troskie Hall at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, with learners from Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students from levels two to four exhibiting their projects..

In total 15 gold, 25 silver, and 14 bronze medals were awarded.

Some of the outstanding recipients that achieved special awards were:

• Rebecca Anne Botha (homeschool) – best female exhibitor;
• Jemma Myburgh (Eunice High School) – best energy project;
• Luhandré Opperman (Martie du Plessis School) – best innovation; and
• Rorisang Mohlobuli (Bloemfontein High School) – best development project.

Rorisang recently travelled to Turkey were he obtained a second place in the International Mathematics, Science and Engineering Fair (IMSEF).

This year’s projects reflected a wide range of scientific interests and community-focused solutions across the 13 Eskom Expo categories. The most popular category was Engineering, which attracted 22 entries, followed by Environmental Studies (13), and Energy, Social Sciences and Biomedical and Medical Sciences with 10 entries each.

Renier Watson, director of the Eskom Expo’s Bloemfontein Regional Science Fair, said the 2026 edition was a celebration of the excitement and wonder of science.

Other special awards were also presented during the awards ceremony in recognition of outstanding participation and achievement throughout the Eskom Expo programme. The Hohle Primary School received the award for the highest number of entries at the District Expo, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to learner participation and scientific research.