2025 Eskom Expo celebrates South Africa’s top young STEM innovators

The 2025 Eskom Expo International Science Fair celebrated SA’s leading young scientists with an impressive collection of prizes from full bursaries and cash rewards to tech devices that will support their future in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).

Held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from October 6 to 10, the fair brought together the brightest young scientists from across SA and countries around the world, including Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, India and Russia.

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Eskom awarded six full bursaries worth R5m during the awards ceremony on October 9, contingent on meeting the required criteria upon receiving their matric results, to support these bright minds.

These bursaries cover full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks and a living allowance for studies in STEM at accredited SA universities.

Through this investment, Eskom reaffirms its commitment to empowering future leaders and building a sustainable, knowledge-driven nation.

Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, Grade 12 learners at King Bhekuzulu High School representing the KZN far north region, received full bursaries for their project, Double Trouble Double Solution: Neutralising Acid and Plastics with Nature’s Help.

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The twins investigated whether autolysed biomass extracts (ABE), derived from banana peel and yeast, could serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional liming agents for pH neutralisation and microplastic removal in acidic wastewater.

Their findings suggest that, with further refinement, ABEs could become low-cost solutions for rural communities lacking access to conventional wastewater treatment methods.

Sohil Bharat, a Grade 12 learner at Newcastle High School representing the northern KZN region, received a full bursary for the project Vulcan Shield, a simple, inexpensive and reliable prototype that provides additional safety in underground mines. It was able to detect a fire within one minute, align itself and extinguish the fire in approximately 21 seconds.

Bharat’s innovation, an intelligent mine-fire suppression system, was developed through meticulous planning, design, testing and refinement.

Ozwikona Makuya, a Grade 12 learner at Mbilwi Secondary School representing the Vhembe region, received a full bursary for the research project MacSonic, inspired by learners’ struggles when using cellphones for studying, such as distractions, scattered resources and burnout.

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Ozwikona created MacSonic, a powerful, all-in-one, smart, easy-to-use app that brings together everything learners need to study, marking a positive step towards digital learning solutions that address the real needs of SA students.

Jaco Deysel, a Grade 12 learner at Jim Fouché High School representing the Bloemfontein region, was awarded a full bursary for his project, The Impact of a Look-up Table Design on AES Encryption Speed and RAM Demand.

Deysel’s research responded to the growing need for strong, robust encryption systems.

Currently, the strongest military-grade data protection method available, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), demands high processing power, making it inaccessible to most start-up businesses.

He designed and developed a computer programme to encrypt and decrypt five differently-sized text files using AES, resulting in enhanced performance and broader accessibility to AES in resource-constrained environments such as small businesses.

Nobuhle Sibeko, a Grade 12 learner at Lindley High School representing the Bethlehem region, was awarded a full bursary for her project, The Buhle 14-Day Dream (B14) Protector System.

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Sibeko’s project addresses one of the most significant challenges faced by teenagers today: managing time and regulating emotions.

The system offers a creative solution to procrastination and burnout, showing that with the right support, learners can manage stress effectively.

“The Eskom Expo remains unmatched in its national reach and impact. It is the only initiative of its kind that brings together thousands of learners from every province, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility,” said Eskom development foundation acting CEO, Mologadi Motshele.

“With Eskom’s sustained support, the expo has impacted the lives of more than 17 000 young people this year alone. What makes this especially significant is Eskom’s long-term commitment to strengthening SA’s development route for future scientists, engineers and innovators.

“By consistently investing in the expo as a trusted national platform, Eskom is creating opportunities for learners to showcase their talents and driving the broader national agenda of skills development, innovation, and economic growth through STEMI,” added Motshele.

The awards evening saw engineering and technology giants Babcock International and Siemens Energy award six full bursaries worth a combined R6.2m, including tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances, and a laptop, for winners to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at an SA university of their choice.

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The Babcock International bursary recipients included: Suprise Ndlovu from Boikagong Secondary School (Bojanala Region), Sohil Bharat from Newcastle High School (northern KZN), Mokgadi Ralefeta from Dendron High School (Capricorn region) and Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu High School (KZN far north).

Siemens Energy awarded two full higher education bursaries to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university of choice.

These include tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances and a laptop to the total approximate value of R1.5m.

The winners were Lethukuthula Khumalo from Nkodibe High School (KZN far north region) and Azola Sihlahla from Dulati Combined School (southern KZN region).

Olivia Barker, a Grade 11 learner from St Mary’s DSG Pretoria representing the northern Gauteng region, was awarded the Dr Derek Gray Gold Medal, which includes attendance at the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (during Nobel Week in December 2026) and a three-year study bursary in the sciences or engineering at the University of Pretoria, provided she meets the required criteria.

“We congratulate the exceptional winners. Their achievements reflect the brilliance, dedication and promise of our nation’s future.

“These awards honour not only scientific excellence, but the spirit of collaboration that drives innovation,” said Eskom expo executive director Parthy Chetty.

“We thank our partners, whose support and shared vision have made this celebration possible. Together, we are investing in a generation of thinkers, problem-solvers and changemakers. Your commitment to empowering young minds strengthens our country’s global standing and inspires hope. This is what progress looks like; united, purposeful and proudly SA,” said Chetty.