WELKOM – Learners from 26 schools across the Lejweleputswa region showcased their scientific research and innovative ideas at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Welkom Regional Science Fair, held at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Welkom on Saturday, 15 August.

The event marked a significant milestone, celebrating 40 years since the Welkom region established a platform to encourage young people to question, investigate and transform their ideas into scientific research.

This year’s regional fair featured 129 projects, including group projects, presented by 157 learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12, as well as TVET students from NC(V) Levels 2 to 4.

The learners qualified for the regional fair after taking part in Eskom Expo activities throughout the year, including workshops and compulsory District Expos. These events provided learners with guidance and feedback from experienced judges, mentors, educators and science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) professionals.

The projects addressed a wide range of scientific interests and real-world challenges affecting communities. They competed across 13 categories, with Social Sciences proving the most popular with 33 entries, followed by Engineering with 30 and Plant Sciences with 19.

Participating schools included Diepfontein Christian School, Goudveld Hoërskool, Harmony Primary School, Harmony High School, Hoërskool Bultfontein, Kingdom Academy, Kroon Primary School, Leseding Technical Secondary School, Mamellang Thuto Secondary School, Primêre Skool Naudeville, Phephetso Secondary School, Poelano Primary School, Reitzpark Primary School, Riebeeckstad High School, Saaiplaas Primary School, Seabo Primary School, St Andrew’s School Welkom, St Anne’s Primary and Technical High School, St Dominic’s College, St Michael’s, Teto High School, Trio High School, Welkom Academy of Excellence, Welkom Gimnasium, Welkom High School and Welkom Islamic School.

Eskom Expo Welkom Regional Science Fair Director Anina Nel said the 40-year milestone represented a legacy of passion, perseverance and progress.

What you do in life is your history, but what you set in motion and keep in motion is your legacy – Nel said.

She said the Welkom Expo began in 1986 with three people who had a vision and had since grown into a platform that inspires curiosity, innovation and scientific excellence.

“Over the past 40 years, generations of young scientists have dared to ask questions, explore possibilities and communicate solutions to shape a brighter future through science,” she said.

The awards ceremony recognised outstanding research and innovation, with 21 Gold, 19 Silver and 36 Bronze medals presented to learners.

Special Awards sponsored by Eskom were also handed out, with recipients receiving smart watches.

The Best Female award went to Kelebohile Tsoeunyane and Liana Wanga Mohlakoana of Riebeeckstad High School, while Sara Makhsouss El Idrissi of Welkom Islamic School received the Best Innovation award.

Bokamoso Monyane of Mamellang Thuto Secondary School received the Best Development Project award.

Mologadi Motshele, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, said expanding access to quality STEM opportunities remained a priority.

“Through Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we are empowering learners, particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities, to participate, excel and realise their full potential,” she said.

“Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we are empowering learners, particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities, to participate, excel and realise their full potential – Nel said.

Motshele congratulated the participants, saying the quality and diversity of the projects demonstrated the exceptional talent among young South Africans.

Bonolo Ntsau of Brebner High School received the Matsheliso Science Institute (MSI)-Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Young Science Researcher Recognition Award in the Social Sciences category. The award included educational and research resources.

Ntsau was also selected as an MSI delegate to attend Science Forum South Africa in December 2026 and to participate in an MSI Educational Science and Research Camp in Cape Town during the same month.

Several school and individual awards were also presented. Welkom High School received the award for the Highest Number of Entries at the District Expo, while St Andrew’s School Welkom was named the Best Performing School at the Regional Science Fair.

Philip Bryssau of Naudeville Primary School received the Most Excellent Junior Project Award, while Helené Fourie of Trio High School received the Most Excellent Senior Project Award.

Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty thanked title sponsor Eskom, other sponsors, the regional committee, judges and volunteers for their contribution to the event.

Chetty said the growing number of participating schools and female learners demonstrated the impact of the initiative, while judges had also noted an improvement in the quality of the projects.

For the learners who qualified to advance to the Eskom Expo International Science Fair, the Welkom regional event marks the beginning of the next stage of their scientific journey as they prepare to represent their schools and communities on a national platform.