The Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall in Middelburg buzzed with energy as more than 200 budding young scientists took centre stage at the Eskom Expo Nkangala Regional Science Fair, proudly showcasing their innovative research and scientific talent.

Shalom Lasimu from Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog took a gold medal with her project ‘A self-healing and recyclable heat shield for space re-entry’.

Pine Ridge Combined School took the trophy for the school that entered the most projects at the district expo.

Annalize William from Ogies Combined School took the award for best general educational training Grade 8 to 9 with her project ‘Fingerprint fortress’.

The regional science fair on August 8 featured 210 projects showcased by 285 young scientists in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students.

These learners progressed in their Expo journeys after taking part in various activities throughout the year, including workshops and District Expos.

This year’s most popular category was engineering, with 103 entries, followed by strong participation in social sciences (31), energy (28) and biomedical and medical sciences (25).

Eskom Expo’s Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator, Innocent Marume, said: “Thank you to the young scientists who came out in full force to showcase their research projects. We commend your effort, creativity, and hard work.

A special thank you to our sponsors, especially Eskom, as well as the judges, parents, teachers, and dedicated committee members whose support and commitment made this event possible.”The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “One of the most powerful aspects of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is its deliberate focus on inclusion and transformation.”

By targeting previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) and placing a strong emphasis on girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI), the Expo ensures that access to quality scientific education and innovation opportunities is extended to learners who have historically been excluded from such platforms.

This not only builds equity within the education system but also creates a more diverse and representative pool of future scientists and engineers. Eskom is proud to support a programme that actively breaks down barriers and opens doors for every child, regardless of background or gender, to thrive in STEMI fields.”

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the expo’s commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation at the school level is powerfully demonstrated through this inspiring Regional Science Fair.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend an upcoming regional science fair in their area with their children and learners, to experience first-hand the creativity and innovation of South Africa’s young scientists and to be inspired to take part in next year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.

Dates and venues: www.exposcience.co.za.

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