The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will kick off its series of district expos across Mpumalanga, including the Gert Sibande District.
These events serve as the mandatory first qualifying round for the 2026 competition season, leading up to the regional science fairs later this year.

The district expos will take place across key districts. The Gert Sibande District will have a science expo in Elukwatini, Carolina, Secunda, Bethal, Ermelo, Standerton, Mkhondo and Delmas.

District expos provide learners with the opportunity to present their research projects and receive feedback from a team of trained district selectors, including Eskom Expo coordinators, regional science fair directors, teachers, and mentors representing various science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) fields and industries.

These trained experts help learners refine their research methods, experimental designs, and data analysis while filling knowledge gaps with fresh perspectives.

More importantly, the district expos serve as the selection ground for top projects to qualify for the national and regional science fairs beginning in July.

This makes district expos a crucial stepping stone in the learners’ expo journey and a key driver of excellence at higher levels, including national and international competitions.

“Entering a science project in the district expos is a powerful way for learners to showcase their creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. It’s not just about experiments, it’s about exploring ideas that matter, sharing discoveries, and inspiring others. Every project, big or small, contributes to building a future shaped by innovation.

“I encourage these young scientists to step forward, embrace the challenge, and let their science journey shine at the district expos,” said Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty.

Local learners wanting to participate in a district expo should be actively working on their research projects, have completed them, or be in the final stages and seeking guidance to strengthen and refine their work.

Learners, teachers or parents are required to visit the Eskom Expo website at www.exposcience.co.za to register for an upcoming district expo, which will take place as follows:

Secunda, May 7 – TP Straten Primary School, Hoërskool Secunda, Sasolia Primary School and Highveld Ridge Primary School.

Bethal, May 8 – Hoërskool Hoogenhout.

Standerton, May 22 – Hoërskool Standerton.

Delmas, April 24 – Hoërskool Delmas.