
Wednesday, 25 March 2026: Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will kick off a series of District Expos across the Free State, including the regions of Bethlehem, Bloemfontein and Welkom, in a bid to increase participation and enhance the quality of research projects ahead of the Regional Science Fairs.
These District Expos will take place across key districts, including Thabo Mofutsanyana, Mangaung Metro, Xhariep, Lejweleputswa and Fezile Dabi.
District Expos serve as the first compulsory level of participation, providing 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 professionals will help identify errors in research methodology, experimental design or data analysis, as well as gaps in knowledge or understanding, in a bid to offer fresh ideas and perspectives.
Importantly, District Expos are where top projects are identified and selected to advance to the Regional Science Fairs, which will be held nationwide starting 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.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “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.”
Learners wishing 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:
| EXPO REGION | DISTRICT | DATE | VENUE |
| Bethlehem | Thabo Mofutsanyana | 8 May | Harrismith High School |
| 20 May | The Sentinel Primary School | ||
| 20 May | Ladybrand Primary School | ||
| 21 May | Thabang Primary School | ||
| 21 May | Mehopung Primary School | ||
| 27 May | Tshepano Primary School | ||
| 28 May | Lindley High School | ||
| Bloemfontein | Xhariep | 13 May | Naledi Primary School |
| Xhariep | 14 May | PT Sanders | |
| Xhariep | 15 May | Diamandthoogte | |
| Mangaung Metro | 21 May | Setjhaba se Maketse | |
| Mangaung Metro | 21 May | Brandwag Primary School | |
| Mangaung Metro | 25 May | RT Mokgopa | |
| Mangaung Metro | 27 May | Curro Bloemfontein | |
| Mangaung Metro | 28 May | Eunice Primary School | |
| Mangaung Metro | 28 May | Matshiliso Institute | |
| Mangaung Metro | 30 & 31 May | Bon Hotel | |
| Welkom | Fezile Dabi | 7 May | North Primary School |
| Lejweleputswa | 11 May | Teto Secondary School | |
| Lejweleputswa | 12 May | Diepfontein Primary School | |
| Lejweleputswa | 15 May | St. Andrew’s Gr 1 – 3 | |
| Lejweleputswa | 16 May | St. Andrew’s | |
| Lejweleputswa | 18 May | Mamellang Thuto | |
| Lejweleputswa | 21 May | Boshoff Combined School | |
| Fezile Dabi | 21 May | Bekezela Primary School | |
| Fezile Dabi | 21 May | JJ Khubeka | |
| Fezile Dabi | 25 May | Kroonstad | |
| Lejweleputswa | 28 May | Bultfontein | |
| Fezile Dabi | 29 May | Sakhubotjha Secondary School |

