Bethlehem young scientists excel at Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair

Bethlehem learners participating in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Regional Competition have impressed judges with their creativity, critical thinking, and innovative solutions to real-world challenges facing South Africa.

The regional science fair held at New Horizon College in Harrismith on 26 July 2025 featured 163 projects showcased by 233 young scientists in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students. These learners progressed in their Expo journeys after taking part in various activities throughout the year, including workshops and District Expos.

The most popular categories at this year’s fair were Engineering and Social Sciences, with 38 entries each, followed by strong participation in Environmental Sciences (19), Energy (15) and Biomedical and Medical Sciences (13).

Eskom Expo’s Bethlehem Regional Science Fair Director, Lekgabe Dihlabi extended her heartfelt gratitude to all who made this year’s Eskom Expo a success, including key partners and generous sponsors, especially Eskom, Vodacom, Busamed, Pipirno and Fuller, E&E Turbo, McDonald’s and New Horizon College.

“To the dedicated teachers, supportive parents, selfless volunteers, and expert judges, thank you. Most of all, we applaud the brilliant learners who showcased their passion, curiosity, and innovation. We invite more schools and learners to join this exciting journey. The future is waiting for your ideas,” said Dihlabi.

During the awards ceremony, learners were recognised for excellence in research and innovation. A total of 42 Gold medals, 56 Silver medals, and 64 Bronze medals were awarded. The outstanding young scientists were honoured with prestigious Special Awards from Eskom. The award recipients, who received Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers sponsored by Eskom, are as follows:

Award	Recipients	School	Grade	Project title
Best Female	Eman Akram and Astrid Lwamba	Ladybrand Academy Combined School	11	Curing HIV through the transplant of stem cells
Best Innovation	Moliehi Mokoena and Lesedi Mthembu	The Beacon Secondary School	11	Sonic Fire Suppressor
Best energy Project	Katleho Ntsutle and Neo Khiba	Sasamala Secondary School	9	Microbial Fuel Cell
Best development project	Reatile Mavundla and Khatliso Mosotho	The Beacon Secondary School	11	Harvesting Energy from Kinetic friction and mechanical stress

The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “As the only initiative of its kind operating at scale across all provinces, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists plays a critical role in developing the country’s STEMI skills. Eskom’s active leadership role in advancing the Expo for the Young Scientists for almost three decades now is a reflection of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which drives real impact and builds a foundation for a scientifically literate, innovation-driven society. This initiative equips young learners with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to pursue careers that will ultimately contribute to solving the country’s most pressing developmental challenges.”

Other prizes were awarded for exceptional efforts and creativity in various categories:

Award	Recipient	School	Grade	Project title
Top innovative medical project sponsored by Busamed Harrismith	Baatile Mokoena and Boikarabelo Rantsho	Mamafubedu Public School	6	Difficulty opening medicine container
R500 cash prize sponsored by Piperno & Fuller	Mmuso Mhlaba	Makabelane Technical	10	Solar, wind-magnetic and piezo harvesting energy
R500 cash prize sponsored by Piperno & Fuller	Nondumiso Tladi Nteboheng Mofokeng	The Sentinel Primary School	6	Hydro-energy converter
R500 cash prize sponsored by Piperno & Fuller	Bohlokoa Finger Tlhonolofatso Motsieloa	The Sentinel Primary School	6	P.U.R.E
R500 cash prize sponsored by E&E Turbo	Maserame Sephofane	Mashaeng Secondary School	8	Innovative Agricultural Practices
R1000 cash prize sponsored by E&E Turbo	Kutloano Mokoena	Tiisetso Primary School	7	Basic recycling robot
R500 cash prize sponsored by Piperno & Fuller	Phakamile Kambule	Lindley High School	9	Repairing water system and management
R1000 cash prize sponsored by Piperno & Fuller	Bohlale Mosebi Tshepang Shili	The Sentinel Primary School	4	Waste wizard 3000
R500 cash prize sponsored by E&E Turbo	Hlompo Moloi and Bokamoso Moloi	The Sentinel Primary School	7	Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.
R500 cash prize sponsored by E&E Turbo	Phoka Mosoane	Kgola-Thuto Secondary School	12	Water Pump Generator
R500 cash prize sponsored by E&E Turbo	Naledi Moeledi Bokamosa Mbongo	Kopano iThuteng II School	7	Device that helps to prevent pigeon excrement from ruining our roofs
McDonald’s meal voucher	Thabang Radebe	The Beacon Secondary School	12	WaveWing Celestial Shield
McDonald’s meal voucher	Lemohang Moloi	Bodikela JS	8	The effect of social media on learning and academic achievement
McDonald’s meal voucher	Tumelo Thateng	The Beacon	10	Shedding Loadshedding
McDonald’s meal voucher	Baatile Mokoena and Boikarabelo Rantsho	Mamafubedu Public School	6	Difficulty opening medicine container
Voucher sponsored by Internet SA	Tumelo Thateng	The Beacon Secondary School	10	Shedding Loadshedding
Tablet computer sponsored by Vodacom	Thabang Radebe	The Beacon Secondary School	12	WaveWing Celestial Shield
Tablet computer sponsored by Vodacom	Lemohang Moloi	Bodikela JS	8	The effect of social media on learning and academic achievement

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the Regional Science Fair is an exciting opportunity and a unique platform for our young scientists to showcase their creativity, innovation, and passion for solving real-world problems while still at school.

“It’s more than just a science competition; it’s the only national platform to innovate, explore, and develop ideas that can shape a better future for our struggling communities and our country. Whether it’s in agricultural sciences, technology and innovation, the environment, or everyday challenges, their solutions can make a real difference. By participating, learners take the first step toward becoming problem-solvers and future leaders in Science and Innovation. The Eskom Expo encourages learners to collaborate with like-minded young scientists to build a brighter tomorrow. Their ideas matter, their efforts count, and their curiosity could be the key to the next big breakthrough. Let the innovation begin!” he said.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend an upcoming regional science fair in their area with their children and learners, to experience firsthand the creativity and innovation of South Africa’s young scientists and to be inspired to take part in next year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. For dates and venues, click here.

View photos of the event by clicking here.