Phalaborwa learners excel at Eskom Expo

PHALABORWA – Phalaborwa learners were among the top achievers at the Mopani Region Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, recently hosted at Mopani TVET College’s Sir Val Duncan campus in Namakgale.

The fair featured 164 learners from Gr 4–12 and TVET colleges, showcasing 137 projects developed through workshops and district expos held earlier this year. Participating schools from Phalaborwa included Namakgale Primary, Relebogile High, Kingfisher Private School, All Saints College, and Frans du Toit High School, among others.

Several local learners walked away with top honours. From Kingfisher, Anna Kurian was named best female scientist, while her schoolmate Lulama Mukhari received the award for best energy project.

All Saints College’s Carlos Rakoma earned recognition in the chemistry and biochemistry category, while Clinton Mabulana of Relebogile High School was awarded for the best mathematical project.

Namakgale Primary’s Boipelo Moagi excelled in biomedical and medical sciences, Kingfisher’s Paballo Nkwane won the best social sciences category, and fellow learner Noluthando Kwinana claimed the best environmental sciences award.

This year, engineering proved the most popular category with 41 entries, followed by social sciences with 23, energy with 22, and biomedical sciences with 17.

Mopani Regional Science Fair director Cynthia Lebetha praised the event’s success, noting the creativity and innovation displayed by the learners.

“We thank our partners, especially the Palabora Foundation and Eskom, for their support, as well as teachers, parents, volunteers, and judges. Most importantly, we congratulate our learners for their passion and achievements. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators,” she said.

Eskom Development Foundation acting CEO Mologadi Motshele highlighted the expo’s role in promoting inclusivity.

“By targeting previously disadvantaged learners and placing emphasis on girls in STEMI, the Expo breaks down barriers and builds a more diverse pool of future scientists and engineers. Eskom is proud to support a programme that ensures access to quality education and innovation opportunities for all.”

The winners will now advance to the International Science Fair, scheduled to take place in Gauteng in October.