This year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), held from 23 to 27 September at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, honored top young scientists with various exciting prizes, including full bursaries, cash awards, and technological devices. The event brought together some of the brightest scientific minds from across South Africa and beyond, showcasing innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
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Among the prestigious awards was Eskom’s set of Special Awards, which recognized outstanding projects in several categories. The Best Development Project award went to Salusiwe Mxayiya, a Grade 11 learner from Luhlaza High School in Cape Town, for her research on the population dynamics and infection rates of Hector’s lantern fish. Her findings highlighted the ecological and economic impact of parasitic infections on the fish population. Mxayiya emphasized the need for the Department of Forestry and Fisheries to take action in reducing allowable catches to protect the species.
Young female scientists shine at Eskom Expo
In the Best Female category, two learners shared the award. Ammarah Patel, a Grade 10 learner from Parktown High School for Girls, was honored for her project on optimizing bioplastics’ physical properties, while Grade 8 learner Naveera Chana, from Cooper College, was recognized for her innovative low-cost system for photosynthesis measurements. Both projects demonstrated a high level of scientific understanding and potential real-world applications.
The Best Innovation Project award went to Aman Pati, a Grade 11 learner from Kingfisher School in Limpopo. Pati’s research on reducing black carbon emissions in rocket fuel led to the development of the “Revolutionizer Mechanism,” a solution that reduces emissions by 1,000 metric tons per launch while saving 1,587 kilograms of fuel. Pati’s work has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental and financial costs of rocket launches.
Eskom’s support for innovation and green energy
In the Energy category, Lukusa Tshizubu from Parow High School won the Best Energy Project award for his “GreenHauler” truck, designed to manage construction debris through renewable energy and on-site processing. Tshizubu’s project impressed judges for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability in construction.
Eskom Development Foundation Acting CEO Mologadi Motshele praised the young innovators for their contributions to STEM fields. “These young researchers are reshaping the future of science and technology,” Motshele said. “Eskom is proud to nurture the next generation of scientific talent, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.”
Several technology companies also supported the event by awarding full bursaries to top learners. Babcock International and Siemens Energy granted bursaries worth R2.2 million to five winners, enabling them to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university. Other sponsors, including FFS Refiners and Berea Plumbers, provided laptops and cash prizes to help learners further their studies.
The fair concluded with a special award from the University of Pretoria. Tahir Ousman from Zinniaville Secondary School received the prestigious University of Pretoria/Dr Derek Gray Memorial Award for his research on the twin prime conjecture. Ousman will attend the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar during Nobel Week and has been awarded a three-year bursary to study science or engineering at the university.
