The Fezile Dabi Regional leg of the Sasol Energy Innovation Challenge took place at Lehutso Primary School in Zamdela on August 15, giving Grade 4 to 11 learners from communities around Sasolburg, Secunda and Ekandustria an opportunity to present posters, prototypes and working models focused on renewable and alternative energy.

The challenge takes place over three stages; being at school, regional and interregional level. Registration was open to schools across the education districts of Fezile Dabi (Free State) Gert Sibande (Mpumalanga), and Gauteng North (Gauteng). A total of 228 schools registered to participate in the challenge, making it the largest cohort since the programme’s inception.  

According to Gao Mothoagae, Sasol Vice President Corporate Social Investment and Sasol Foundation, the Energy Innovation Challenge supports the improvement of STEM education outcomes and develops future talent for South Africa’s science, technology and energy sectors. “The challenge links curriculum learning to practical community challenges. In the process, the competition makes science education more appealing as it is aligned with the national natural science, technology, physical science and life science curriculum,” she said.

Fezile Dabi learners put their best foot forward, with topics ranging from ideas to cook food with recycled materials to a device that can alert life savers when large marine animals approach swimmers and divers at sea. An independent judging panel evaluated the entries based on their science research skills, innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills.

The judges were impressed by the professional way learners presented their projects and their ability to answer questions on the content of their research. In the primary school category Lehutso Primary from Zamdela made a clean sweep, taking the first three places. Dimpho Mokone and Lisakhanya Buxeka were the winners with their project on biogas from food waste. Kamogelo Malisa and Tsholofelo Khumalo came second, looking at a solar-powered air pollution controller and carbon absorber system. Lethabo Legwabe and Ofentse Malale were in the third place investigating a wind-powered generator. The Lehutso teams were managed by Juliet Lehungwane, educator at Lehutso Primary School.

The secondary school winners were Perseverance Motaung and Sphiwe Tyumbu from Barnard Molokoane Secondary School in Tumahole, Parys showcasing their project featuring a smart solar-powered automatic lighting system using piezoelectric floor tiles. Relebohile Motlohi from Iketsetseng Comprehensive Secondary School in Zamdela impressed the judges with her smart navigating white cane, winning her the second place. Tebello Serathi from Kananelo Senior Secondary School in Phomolong, Kroonstad came third, featuring a microbial fuel cell.

Regional competitions are held in Fezile Dabi, Ekandustria and Secunda, with the final taking place on 9 September 2026 in Sasolburg where the top three primary and secondary school winners of the regional competitions will compete.