South Africa’s young, bright 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 (ISF).
From 6 to 10 October, 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 Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park.
Various organisations have committed prizes worth millions, including 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.
Cash prizes of more than R400 000 are up for grabs, along with laptops and tablet computers.
Northern Cape participants include:
Kimberley region:
■ Anzania Small (Bongani Secondary School);
■ Kirsten Aleksier (Kimberley Girl’s High School);
■ Alda Augustyn (De Aar High School);
■ Leony Moyisile (Thabane High School);
■ Cady de Koker (Northern Cape High School); and
■ Oparna Maharaj (Newton Primary School).
Kalahari:
■ Kalafo Matsebe (Dibotswa High School);
■ Mahir Siddika (Postmasburg High School);
■ Mckayla Booyesen (Curro Kathu);
■ Ciara Strauss (Upington High School);
■ Keara Strauss (Upington High School);
■ Warona Kakue (Motshwarakgole Intermediate); and
■ Mukona Muvamba (Postmasburg High School).
Namaqua:
■ Anneke Nel (Calvinia Primary School);
■ Helena van Schalkwyk (Calvinia Primary School);
■ Landon Bonn (S.A van Wyk High School); and
■ Vernique Koopman (Calvinia Primary School).
“By enabling more than 17 000 learners to participate in Eskom Expo this year, it gives opportunities to young people who would otherwise not have access to such platforms,” says Mologadi Motshele, acting chief executive officer (CEO) of the Eskom Development Foundation.
Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty, says the ISF is set to ignite global curiosity and celebrate innovation from young minds across the world.
“With international delegations and generous sponsor support, ISF 2025 honours excellence and fosters global unity through science.”
- Members of the public are invited to attend the expo and see first-hand the impressive projects these young scientists have developed.
- The exhibition hall will be open to the public on Thursday, 9 October, from 15:00 to 17:00.
