Some of South Africa’s brightest young stars will gather at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), competing for prizes that will open doors to future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
At the 2024 Eskom Expo ISF, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Reginah Mhaule meets one of the young participants, Cebo Makhanya.
From 6 to 10 October 2025, 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, east of Johannesburg. Additionally, seven participants from Ghana and Mozambique will have the opportunity to participate virtually.
Various organisations with a shared interest in providing opportunities for emerging young scientists and engineers have committed prizes worth millions to be awarded to the participants whose projects are adjudged as winning projects. 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 their meeting the required criteria when they receive their matric results. The bursaries altogether have a value of more than R6 million.
Monetary prizes of more than R400 000 cash will also be presented, as well as 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 the Eskom Expo this year, the programme is giving opportunities to young people who otherwise would not have access to such platforms. This includes learners from previously disadvantaged communities and young girls, who historically have been underrepresented in the fields of science and technology. Eskom Expo serves as a way of ensuring these learners are exposed to STEMI pathways and possibilities and have a chance to develop their confidence and skills, which will open doors for their futures.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, added: “The International Science Fair 2025 is set to ignite global curiosity and celebrate innovation from young minds across the world. This annual 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.
For more information on the finalists participating this year visit: www.exposcience.co.za