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Wednesday, 17 September 2025: South Africa’s brightest minds will compete for life-changing prizes that will open doors to future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.
From 6 to 10 October 2025, a total of 303 learners from 35 regions across South Africa and 16 international participants from Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Ireland, India and Russia will showcase their projects at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park. Additionally, seven participants from Ghana and Mozambique will have an opportunity to participate virtually.
Various organisations with a shared vested interest in providing opportunities for emerging young scientists and engineers have committed prizes worth millions. Babcock International, Siemens Energy, the University of Pretoria (UP) and UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) are generously sponsoring eight full bursaries for learners to pursue engineering degrees at a South African university of their choice, contingent on meeting the required criteria upon receiving their matric results.
These bursaries have a total value of more than R6 million. Monetary prizes of more than R400 000 cash are up for grabs, along with laptops and tablet computers sponsored by several organisations, including Eskom Holdings, the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, AI in Africa, and Siemens (Pty) Ltd.
The Eskom Development Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mologadi Motshele, said: “Eskom’s CSI investment into STEMI is more than a financial contribution; it is a direct commitment to changing lives. By enabling more than 17,000 learners to participate in Eskom Expo this year, the programme is giving opportunities to young people who would otherwise not have access to such platforms. Importantly, this includes learners from previously disadvantaged communities and girls, who have historically been underrepresented in science and technology.
Eskom Expo serves as a vehicle that ensures these learners are exposed to STEMI pathways, developing both confidence and skills that will open doors for their futures.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “The International Science Fair 2025 is set to ignite global curiosity and celebrate innovation from young minds across the world. Hosted in Kempton Park, this landmark event brings together brilliant young scientists, esteemed researchers, and visionary sponsors for a week of discovery, collaboration, and recognition.
Highlights include two prestigious awards ceremonies and immersive excursions that aim to stimulate these young minds. With international delegations and generous sponsor support, ISF 2025 promises an unforgettable experience that honours excellence and fosters global unity through science. Join us in championing the next generation of changemakers, where ideas take flight and futures are forged.
Members of the public are invited to attend the Eskom Expo ISF and see first-hand the impressive projects that these young scientists have developed. The exhibition hall will be open to the public on Thursday, 9 October 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Emperor’s Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park.
Free State participants include:
Welkom
• Calista Gerber from Welkom Gimnasium High School
• Helené Fourie from Trio High School
• Leila Erasmus from Welkom Volkskool
• Andile Malubela from Barnard Molokwane
• Mphe Moloto from St Andrew’s School Welkom
• Tshoanelo Setai from Eldoret Secondary School
• Fatima Noor from Welkom Gimnasium High School
Bloemfontein
• Jana Swanepoel from Oranje Meisieskool
• Zanele Witbooi from R.T. Mokgopa Secondary School
• Nneka Nwafor from Eunice High School
• Jaco Deysel from Jim Fouché High School
• Jemma Myburg from Eunice Primary School
• Rorisang Mohlobuli from Bloemfontein High School
Bethlehem
• Mosa Motsoeneng from The Sentinel Primary School
• Mpolokeng Makgohlo from The Sentinel Primary School
• Pheello Moloi from Kgola Thuto Secondary School
• Tumelo Thateng from The Beacon Secondary School
• Thabang Radebe from The Beacon Secondary School
• Bolielo Serongoane from Hoërskool Harrismith
• Nobuhle Sibeko from Lindley High School
For more Eskom Expo ISF finalists, visit: www.exposcience.co.za
