For Grade 11 learner Tshepisho Nkosi, limited resources were no barrier to scientific achievement. Working largely from a cell phone, the Zacheus Malaza Secondary School learner exceeded his own expectations at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), earning a Gold medal and the Eskom Special Award for Best Development Project.
The Best Development Project award earned Nkosi, who represented the Nkangala Region, a high-end laptop and R10 000 cash prize, recognising an achievement that he hopes will show other young scientists from township and rural schools what is possible.
Born and raised in KwaGuqa, a township in eMalahleni, formerly known as Witbank, Nkosi describes himself as someone whose curiosity has shaped his interests from an early age.
His school is relatively new to the Eskom Expo programme, having only begun participating last year. When Nkosi was introduced to the opportunity in 2026, he saw it as a chance to challenge himself beyond the familiar classroom.
“I saw it as an opportunity to test myself outside a structured, academic environment and see how I would do outside my usual strengths,” he said.
That decision eventually took him to the ISF, where Nkosi arrived with modest expectations. “It feels absolutely great to win an award at the ISF. It feels almost surreal,” he said. “I initially aimed for a Bronze, so I basically exceeded my own expectations.”
His achievement was particularly meaningful because of the circumstances under which he completed much of his work.
“It means that my hard work was not in vain, especially considering how I had to do all of this on a cell phone,” Nkosi said. “It also serves as an example of how it is possible to do great even if you come from a township or rural school.”
While the awards provided an unforgettable conclusion to his ISF experience, Nkosi said some of his favourite memories came from meeting fellow young scientists.
Judging day gave him an opportunity to learn about other participants, where they came from and the research that had earned them a place at the ISF. “I got the chance to meet other young scientists, learn about where they come from and also see other impressive projects that led them to the ISF,” he said.
The social side of the fair proved equally memorable. Nkosi particularly enjoyed the disco, where he met more participants and had what he described as “the time of my life”. He also singled out the mathematics entertainment show as an interesting experience from which he learnt a great deal.
Nkosi’s interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) developed long before he attended Eskom Expo.
“I have always been a curious individual since childhood,” he said. “Sometimes I would watch documentaries or read my older cousin’s textbooks from a very young age. Curiosity was basically the driving force of my passion.”
That curiosity is not limited to STEMI. Outside his research and schoolwork, Nkosi enjoys reading widely across fiction and non-fiction. He also has a strong interest in history, despite not taking it as a school subject, and enjoys playing chess.
Following his first journey through the Eskom Expo programme, Nkosi has practical advice for other young scientists preparing to participate for the first time. “Firstly, choose a category that aligns with your strengths and resource availability, and not one that seems fancy or sounds impressive,” he said.
He also encourages participants to manage their time carefully so research demands do not negatively affect their schoolwork. Most importantly, he believes young scientists should not be afraid to seek guidance.
“Ask for help. You can’t do anything on your own,” Nkosi said. “Most of my work that was done in weeks or months could possibly have been done in a much shorter period if I had gotten help.”
From completing research on a cell phone to leaving the ISF with a Gold medal, a laptop, a R10 000 cash prize, and the title of Best Development Project, Nkosi’s first year as an Eskom Expo participant showed how far curiosity, determination, and an opportunity to compete can take a young scientist.
CreativeBox
