South Africa’s brightest minds will compete for life-changing prizes that will open doors to future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.
From 6 to 10 October 2025, a total of 303 learners from 35 regions across South Africa and 16 international participants from Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Ireland, India and Russia will showcase their projects at the Emperor’s Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park. Additionally, seven participants from Ghana and Mozambique will have an opportunity to participate virtually.
According to a statement issued by Eskom, Babcock International, Siemens Energy, the University of Pretoria (UP) and UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) are sponsoring eight full bursaries for learners to pursue engineering degrees at a South African university of their choice, contingent on meeting the required criteria upon receiving their matric results. These bursaries have a total value of more than R6 million.
The statement added that monetary prizes of more than R400 000 are up for grabs, along with laptops and tablet computers sponsored by several organisations, including Eskom Holdings, the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, AI in Africa, and Siemens (Pty) Ltd.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said: “Eskom’s CSI investment into STEMI is more than a financial contribution; it is a direct commitment to changing lives. By enabling more than 17,000 learners to participate in Eskom Expo this year, the programme is giving opportunities to young people who would otherwise not have access to such platforms.
“Importantly, this includes learners from previously disadvantaged communities and girls, who have historically been underrepresented in science and technology,” Motshele added.
Members of the public are invited to attend the Eskom Expo ISF and see firsthand the impressive projects that these young scientists have developed. The exhibition hall will be open to the public on Thursday, 9 October 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Emperor’s Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park.
