47 young KZN scientists to showcase innovations at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair
Forty seven talented learners from KwaZulu-Natal are set to showcase their innovative projects at the prestigious Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.
Image: File
KwaZulu-Natal will send a strong contingent of 47 learners from across the province to showcase their innovations at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), taking place from October 6 to 10 at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park.
The learners, representing schools in southern KZN, the far north, north coast, northern KZN and central regions, will compete for top honours against peers from around South Africa and abroad.
Their projects range across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI), reflecting the diversity of young talent emerging from the province.
They will join 303 learners from 35 regions across South Africa, alongside 16 international participants from Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Ireland, India and Russia. Seven more participants from Ghana and Mozambique will participate virtually.
The Eskom Expo is regarded as one of the country’s leading science competitions, opening doors to life-changing opportunities for young scientists.
This year’s sponsors have committed prizes worth millions, including bursaries, scholarships, laptops, tablets and cash awards.
Babcock International, Siemens Energy, the University of Pretoria (UP) and its Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) have collectively pledged eight full bursaries for learners to pursue engineering degrees at South African universities, valued at more than R6 million.
Learners will also compete for monetary prizes of more than R400 000 and technology prizes sponsored by Eskom Holdings, the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, AI in Africa, and Siemens (Pty) Ltd.
Eskom Development Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mologadi Motshele, said the investment was about providing access and opportunity.
“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.”
Motshele added that Eskom Expo was a vehicle that built both confidence and skills to prepare learners for the future.
The Eskom Expo’s Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the event would be a celebration of innovation.
“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.”
He added that highlights would include two awards ceremonies and excursions aimed at inspiring learners.
“With international delegations and generous sponsor support, ISF 2025 promises an unforgettable experience that honours excellence and fosters global unity through science.”
The public will be able to view the finalists’ projects on Thursday, 9 October 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre.
The full list of finalists is available at www.exposcience.co.za