This year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair celebrated South Africa’s leading young scientists with a great collection of prizes, from full bursaries and cash rewards to tech devices that will support their future studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
Front row: Eskom bursary winners – Nobuhle Sibeko, Jaco Deysel, Ozwikona Makuya, Simesihle Khuzwayo, Melokuhle Khuzwayo, Sohil Bharat.
Back row: Representing Eskom and the Eskom Development Foundation – Tshepiso Temo, Mbulelo Yedwa, Portia Papo, Mologadi Motshele, Dr Claudelle von Eck, Beke Moloi.
Held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 6 to 10 October 2025, the fair brought together some of the brightest young scientists from across South Africa and other countries in Africa and abroad, including Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, India and Russia.
At the Special Awards ceremony Eskom awarded six full bursaries worth R5 million. The bursaries are awarded contingent on the recipients’ meeting the required criteria in their matric results. The bursaries cover full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks and a living allowance for studies in STEM subjects at accredited South African universities. Through this investment, Eskom reaffirms its commitment to empowering future leaders and building a sustainable, knowledge-driven nation.
Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, Grade 12 learners at King Bhekuzulu High School representing the KwaZulu-Natal Far North Region, were awarded full bursaries for their project, ‘Double Trouble Double Solution: Neutralising Acid & Plastics with Nature’s Help’. The twins investigated whether autolysed biomass extracts (ABE), derived from banana peel and yeast, could serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional liming agents to neutralise pH and remove microplastics in acidic wastewater. Their findings suggest that, with further refinement, ABEs could become low-cost solutions for rural communities that do not have access to conventional wastewater treatment methods.
Sohil Bharat, a Grade 12 learner at Newcastle High School representing the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Region, was awarded a full bursary for his project ‘Vulcan Shield’, a simple, inexpensive, reliable and intelligent mine fire suppression system that provides additional fire safety in underground mines. The prototype demonstrated the ability to detect a fire within one minute, align itself and extinguish the fire in about 21 seconds. Bharat developed his innovation through meticulous planning, design, testing and refinement.
Ozwikona Makuya, a Grade 12 learner at Mbilwi Secondary School representing the Vhembe Region, was awarded a full bursary for the research project ‘MacSonic’. Inspired by the struggles learners face when using mobile phones for studying such as distractions, scattered resources and burnout, Ozwikona created MacSonic as a powerful, all-in-one, smart, easy-to-use app that brings together everything learners need to study. This project marks a positive step towards digital learning solutions that address the real needs of South African students.
Jaco Deysel, a Grade 12 learner at Jim Fouché High School representing the Bloemfontein Region, was awarded a full bursary for his project ‘The Impact of a Look-up Table Design on AES Encryption Speed and RAM Demand’. Deysel’s research responds to the growing need for robust encryption systems. Currently, the strongest military-grade data protection method available the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) demands high processing power, making it inaccessible to most start-up businesses. He designed and developed a computer program to encrypt and decrypt five differently sized text files using AES, resulting in enhanced performance and broader accessibility to AES in resource-constrained environments such as small businesses.
Nobuhle Sibeko, a Grade 12 learner at Lindley High School representing the Bethlehem Region, was awarded a full bursary for her project ‘The Buhle 14-Day Dream (B14) Protector System’. Sibeko’s project addresses one of the most significant challenges faced by teenagers today: managing time and regulating emotions. The system offers a creative solution to procrastination and burnout, showing that with the right support, learners can manage stress effectively.
Eskom Development Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mologadi Motshele, said: “Eskom Expo is the only initiative of its kind that brings together thousands of learners from across every province, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. With Eskom’s sustained CSI support, the expo has impacted the lives of more than 17 000 young people this year alone. What makes this especially significant is Eskom’s long-term commitment to strengthening South Africa’s development route for future scientists, engineers, and innovators. By consistently investing in the expo as a trusted national platform, Eskom is creating opportunities for learners to showcase their talents and driving the broader national agenda of skills development, innovation, and economic growth through science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation.”
The Special Awards evening also saw engineering and technology leaders Babcock International and Siemens Energy award six full bursaries worth a combined R6.2 million – covering tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances, and a laptop. The bursaries will support the selected winners in their studies towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university of their choice.
The Babcock International bursaries were awarded to: Suprise Ndlovu from Boikagong Secondary School (Bojanala Region), Sohil Bharat from Newcastle High School (Northern KZN), Mokgadi Ralefeta from Dendron High School (Capricorn Region) and Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu High School (KZN Far North).
Siemens Energy awarded two full higher education bursaries to Lethukuthula Khumalo from Nkodibe High School (KZN Far North Region) and Azola Sihlahla from Dulati Combined School (Southern KZN Region).
Olivia Barker, a Grade 11 learner from St Mary’s DSG Pretoria, representing the Northern Gauteng Region, was awarded the Dr Derek Gray Gold Medal, which includes attendance at the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar during Nobel Week in December 2026, and a three-year study bursary in the sciences or engineering at the University of Pretoria, provided she meets the required criteria in her matric results.
From left to right: Christopher May, the 2025 Top Senior Scientist; Khushi Lall, the 2025 Top Junior Scientist; and Lethabo Kgwete, the 2025 Top Development School Scientist.
Additional cash prizes
The 2025 Top Senior Scientist, winning a R100 000 cash prize, was Christopher May from Otto du Plessis High School, representing the Port Elizabeth Region. In his research project, ‘Differential Geometric Modelling of Sound Signals and Ultrasound Imaging’, the Grade 12 learner impressed the panel of chief judges with its demonstration of sound reasoning, logical arguments, and grasp of complex mathematics concepts. May designed a method to analyse the properties of sound using differential geometry. He created a geometric model of a sound wave and then applied differentiation techniques to analyse its properties. He went on to apply this method to ultrasound imaging where he successfully enhanced features such as subtle edges and the textures of anatomical structures. This resulted in enhanced medical imaging and improved diagnostic accuracy. May’s research highlights the value of mathematics as a tool to improve health care.
Khushi Lall from Tyger Valley College, representing the Northern Gauteng Region with her research project, ‘Garlic: Nature's Secret to Food Preservation’, was selected as the 2025 Top Junior Scientist, winning a R75 000 cash prize. Food preservation has become a challenge globally because of the rise of resistant microbes. This was the motivation behind Lall’s research project. The Grade 9 learner impressed the Chief Judges with her remarkable understanding of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and her exceptional precision when executing laboratory techniques. According to the judges, such scientific investigative skills combined with reasoning and logical thinking, are the mark of a scientist in the making.
Lethabo Kgwete from Moleshatlou Secondary School, representing the Capricorn Region was awarded Top Development School Scientist and received a cash prize of R75 000. In his research project ‘The Effect of Livestock Green Compost Tea’, the Grade 11 learner investigated the effect of this compost on crop yield. Motivated by the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in rural areas, including access to affordable and sustainable fertilisers, Kgwete developed a cost-effective and eco-friendly compost called the Livestock Green Compost Tea. The compost tea is prepared by combining fruit peels, dry grass, leaf litter, water, wood ash, eggshells, and other organic matter in a steeping container. The mixture is brewed for several days to produce a nutrient-rich liquid. The treated crops (tomatoes, spinach, and onions) consistently showed greater height increases and faster overall growth. Lethabo’s research holds much promise for increasing crop yield through sustainable green fertilisers.
A total of 30 Gold, 77 Silver and 131 Bronze medals were awarded at the Grand Awards ceremony, and the opportunity to travel to represent South Africa at prominent international science fairs in Taiwan, Tunisia, China, Indonesia, the USA, and Türkiye was awarded to deserving learners with the support of various long-standing sponsors of the Eskom Expo. These recipients will be announced in the coming months.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “We extend our congratulations to the brilliant winners of the International Science Fair. Your ingenuity, perseverance and passion for discovery inspire us all. This achievement is a celebration of scientific excellence and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity. To students everywhere: let this be your spark. STEM subjects open doors to solving global challenges, shaping the future, and making a lasting impact. Whether in labs, classrooms, or communities, your ideas matter. Know that your journey in science starts now. Keep asking questions, keep exploring.”
For the full list of 2025 Eskom Expo ISF winners visit: www.exposcience.co.za
