Eskom Expo International Science Fair – Special award winners

The 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) celebrated the brilliance, innovation, and dedication of young scientists from across South Africa and abroad. This prestigious annual event recognises learners who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, problem-solving ability, and a passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI).

This year’s Special Awards Ceremony honoured top achievers with a wide range of prizes, including laptops, tablets, bursaries, cash prizes, and mentorship opportunities, generously sponsored by industry leaders, academic institutions, and professional organisations. The winners were:

1. Exhibitors Award – Lulama Mukhari (Mopani Region)

2. Afric Training College Award – Nkateko Moyane (Gauteng South Region)

3. Soil Science Society of South Africa Award

   • Senior: Olivia Barker (Northern Gauteng Region)

   • Junior:
     • Aditi Singh & Nirav Sahaye Hurbans (Nkangala Region)
     • Boitshwarelo Makatong & Resego Kehitlhile (Dr RS Mompati Region)
     • Daniela Van der Westhuizen (Namibia)

4. Suleman Bux Memorial Award – Malesela Tselana (Waterberg Region)

5. PERT Industries Award

   • Mahlatsi Angela Mamiane (Bohlabela Region)

   • Lethukuthula Khumalo (KZN Far North Region)

6. Berea Plumbers Award – Milani Mjiji (East London Region)

7. DUT Visionary Innovator Award – Boago Itumeleng (Dr RS Mompati Region)

8. DUT Young Innovator Awards

   • Karabo Nkomo & Nolofatso Mothibedi (Dr RS Mompati Region)

   • Melokuhle & Simesihle Khuzwayo (KZN Far North Region)

   • Tabita Nthunya (Mthatha Region)

   • Zanele Witbooi (Bloemfontein Region)

   • Kalafo Matsebe (Kalahari Region)

   • Azola Sihlahla (Southern KZN Region)

9. AI for Impact Award

   • Senior: Tiro Moyo (Johannesburg), Gerhard Vosloo (Cape Town), Aradhya Kaushik (Johannesburg), Boago Itumeleng (Dr RS Mompati)

   • Junior: Brandon Mashandudze (Ngaka Modiri Molema Region)

10. South African Institute for Electrical Engineers Award – Suprise Ndlovu (Bojanala Region)

11. Desiree Pillay Memorial Award – Obakeng Tema (Northern Gauteng Region), Kalafo Matsebe (Kalahari Region)

12. RS South Africa Award – Jaco Deysel (Bloemfontein Region)

13. Syntax South Africa Youth Empowerment Awards – Siyamthanda Gumbi (KZN North Coast), Landon Bonn (Namaqua Region)

14. SAEON Awards – Nkateko Moyane (Gauteng South), Antonia Shapota (Bojanala), Petronellah Kazembe (Port Elizabeth)

15. Medihelp Special Award – Yu-Yao Chen (Stellenbosch)

16. Shanice Francis Memorial Award – Nkateko Moyane (Gauteng South), Rajita Goel (Northern KZN), Olivia Barker (Northern Gauteng), Aiden Posch (Gert Sibande), Kamogelo Mohloana (Ekurhuleni), Omphile Phahlamohlaka (Nkangala)

17. SAICE Water Division Award

• Bronze: Reaotshepa Romane, Jana Swanepoel, Duran Farmer

• Silver: Alyssa Pillay, Burger Duvenage, Vutshila Quinton Mathebula & Simphiwe Bafana Kunene

18. SAICE IT Division Award – Heinrich Conradie (Eden Karoo Region)

19. SAICE Environmental Engineering Division Award

• 1st: Zachary du Toit (Stellenbosch)

• 2nd: Arnav Ramdas (Northern KZN)

• 3rd: Layla Ahmed (Port Elizabeth)

20. NIThECS Awards – Leony Moyisile (Kimberley), Endinakho Klaas (Mthatha), Linathi Koyana (Eden Karoo), Ozwikona Makuya (Vhembe)

21. FFS Refiners Awards – Siyamthanda Thabethe, Ella Hettach, Luke Boswell, Mukhodeni Malamatsho, Connor Kinnes, Alisa-Jane Malan, Christopher May, Khanimambo Hlaneki, Janieke Prinsloo, Hamzah Loonat

22. Siemens PTY Ltd Awards – Siyamthanda Bhengu, Boago Itumeleng, Tabita Nthunya, Philip du Preez Cloete, Karabo Nkomo & Nolofatso Mothibedi, Remofilwe Maneedi, Suprise Ndlovu, Ludumo Ngidi & Michelle Chidyandunge

23. University of Pretoria: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Bursary – Lamees Rassulmia (Dr Kenneth Kaunda), Christopher May (Port Elizabeth)

24. University of Pretoria: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT Bursary – Shaista Aaliyah Shaik (Southern KZN Region)

25. Wits University Psychology Department Awards – Denzhe Netshivhazwaulu, Bontle Shai (both Northern Gauteng)

26. Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award – Leila Erasmus (Welkom), Lianie Groblerand (Port Elizabeth)

27. Wits University: Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Bursary – Luke Boswell (Port Elizabeth), Itumeleng Chiloane (Ekurhuleni)

28. Wits University: Faculty of Sciences Bursary – Rudra Patel (Gauteng South Region)

29. Babcock NextGen Engineering Bursary – Suprise Ndlovu (Bojanala), Sohil Bharat (Northern KZN), Mokgadi Ralefeta (Capricorn), Simesihle Khuzwayo (KZN Far North)

30. Siemens Energy School Awards – Leony Moyisile, Linathi Koyana, Zanele Witbooi, Anele Gumede, Nolwazi Ringane, Lethiwe Zulu, Clinton Mabulana, Petronellah Kazembe, Phumelele Lukhele & Nondumiso Nhlabathi

31. Siemens Energy Engineering Bursaries – Lethukuthula Khumalo (KZN Far North), Azola Sihlahla (Southern KZN)

32. Meiring Naudé Award – Gerhard Vosloo (Cape Town, Parklands College)

33. Dr Derek Gray/University of Pretoria Award – Olivia Barker (Northern Gauteng, St Mary’s DSG Pretoria)

34. Eskom Special Awards

• Best Energy Project: Luke Boswell (Port Elizabeth)

• Best Innovation Project: Hilary van Wyk (Stellenbosch)

• Best Development Project: Lethabo Kgwete (Capricorn)

• Best Female Project: Lamees Rassulmia (Dr Kenneth Kaunda)

35. Eskom Bursaries – Jaco Deysel (Bloemfontein), Melokuhle & Simesihle Khuzwayo (KZN Far North), Ozwikona Makuya (Vhembe), Sohil Bharat (Northern KZN), Nobuhle Sibeko (Bethlehem