The journey to the 2026 Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) has reached an exciting new stage, with the young scientists selected to showcase their research on the international stage now confirmed. These finalists have progressed through the Eskom Expo journey, developing their ideas through workshops, District Expos, and Regional Science Fairs, while using feedback and continued research to strengthen their projects. Now, they are preparing to take the next step at the ISF.
After progressing through these stages, 316 young scientists from 35 Eskom Expo regions across all nine provinces will gather at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from 29 September to 2 October. They will be joined by 24 international participants from Brazil, India, Ireland, Russia, Lesotho, Namibia, China, Türkiye, Tunisia, Mozambique, and Ghana, attending both in person and virtually. Together, these young people from diverse backgrounds share a common drive to investigate, discover, and solve problems through research.
Representing Eskom Expo regions across South Africa, the finalists will showcase research spanning science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). At the ISF, they will present and defend their work, engage with peers from South Africa and abroad, and compete for medals, awards, and further opportunities.
Below are the young scientists selected to take the next step in their Eskom Expo journey at the 2026 ISF:
(Click on each region’s name to view photos of the participants)
NORTHERN CAPE
- Charles Coetzee, Prieska Combined School
- Ethan Oberholzer, Upington High School
- Celeste De Klerk, De Aar High School
- Dané Swanevelder, Douglas Combined School
- Khakalethu Wababa, Kimberley Girls High School
- Marco De Carvalho, De Aar High School
- Adriano De Carvalho, De Aar High School
- Dimpho Ganakgomo, Thabane High School
- Mahir Siddika, Postmasburg High School
- Kabelo Palagan, Curro Kathu
- Botlebamorena Moemise, Curro Kathu
- Keara Strauss, Upington High School
- Ciara Strauss, Upington High School
- Kaila Viljoen, Laerskool Calvinia
- Elizabeth de Kock, Laerskool Calvinia
- Unonhlanhla Smit, Carnarvon High School
- Alishè Malgas, Carnarvon High School
FREE STATE
- Andile Malubela, Barnard Molokoane Comprehensive School
- Bonolo Malakoane, Barnard Molokoane Comprehensive School
- Bontle Mokoena, Sasolburg High School
- Helené Fourie, Trio High School
- Philip Bryssau, Naudeville Primary School
- Tshego Seane, St Andrew’s Welkom
- Charlotte Gibbens, Jim Fouché High School
- Denica Swartz, Eunice High School
- Jemma Myburgh, Eunice High School
- Lilly McPherson, Eunice High School
- Rebecca Anne Botha, Homeschool
- Rorisang Mohlobuli, Bloemfontein High School
- Anabelle Bezuidenhout, Witteberg High School
- Aninke Bezuidenhout, Witteberg High School
- Bohlokoa Finger, The Sentinel Primary School
- Harry de Freitas, Ladybrand Primary School
- Jana-Mari Filmalter, Harrismith High School
- Lereko Mokhehle, The Sentinel Primary School
- Oreratile Kubheka, Witsieshoek Primary School
- Tumelo Thateng, The Beacon Secondary School
WESTERN CAPE
- Carel Van Niekerk, Piketberg High School
- Dawid Bierman, Swartland High School
- Jesmine Linnert, Jurie Hayes Primary School
- Ovayo Somhlahlo, Vredenburg High School
- Riaz Africa, Vredenburg High School
- Wilrick Domingo, Porterville Primary School
- Abigail Botha, Lochnerhof Laerskool
- Alunamda Ntsompo, Spurwing Primary School
- Annebelle Groenewald, Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof
- Arran Muller, Curro Hermanus
- Carolien Jackson, Parel Vallei High School
- Daniël Lutz, Paul Roos Gymnasium
- Emeke Bostander, Touwsrivier Primary School
- Emma Benden, Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof
- Juma Mahango, Parow High School
- Kiesha Mashaya, Monument Park High School
- Kungawo Siyongwana, Protea Heights Academy
- Lunathi Mtikitiki, Protea Heights Academy
- Matéo Van Heerden, Protea Heights Academy
- Milan Prinsloo, La Rochelle Girls’ High School
- Mikyla Van der Berg, Durbanville Primary School
- Stella-Mari Le Roux, Lochnerhof Laerskool
- Wihan Saayman, Curro Durbanville High School
- Yu-Yao Chen, Curro Durbanville High School
- Heinrich Conradie, Outeniqua High School
- Jonathan Van Wyk, Punt High School
- Linathi Koyana, Murray High School
- Nina Strydom, Punt High School
- Teagan Bothma, York High School
- Alexandra De Roo, Pinelands High School
- Ariella Shap, Herzlia High School
- Bokamoso Mbakaza, Centre of Science and Technology
- Dean Weich, Bishops Diocesan College
- Gabriel Walker-Mohamed, Westerford High School
- Huda Nacerodien, Pinelands High School
- Iminathi Maxama, Centre of Science and Technology
- Israa Adam, Parklands College
- Malaika Gibbon, Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary Senior School
- Milo Bonadei, Bishops Diocesan College
- Mohammad Nadeem-Harneker, Star College Bridgetown
- Nuna Forlee Vella, Springfield Convent of the Holy Rosary Senior School
- Oliver Leslie, Herzlia High School
- Phoenix Srdic, Parklands College
- Rania Hanslo, Islamia Girls College
- Razia Jonkers, Star College Cape Town
- Uthmaan Razak, Pinelands High School
- Yondela Balintulo, Centre of Science and Technology
- Yusuf Moolla, Star College Bridgetown
EASTERN CAPE
- Daniel Czeredrecki-Schmidt, Graeme College
- Jedd Youthed, Graeme College
- Ovayo Gcwabe, Victoria Girls’ High School
- Rachel De la Mare, Victoria Girls’ High School
- Akhonke Rulashe, St Thomas Private School
- Anaishe Chimbwanda, Hudson Park High School
- Milani Mjiji, Port Rex Technical High School
- Milani Spani, Byletts High School
- Uthimna Mavatulana, SW Mbanga Junior Secondary School
- Ayema Siyo, Maclear High School
- Daniel Owusu-Ansah, Umtata High School
- Freda Ofori-Boateng, Umtata High School
- Muhammad Ali Anwar, Umtata High School
- Tabita Nthunya, Zimele High School
- Achuma Mdingi, Ndzondelelo High School
- Athandile Tshotyana, Solomon Mahlangu Senior Secondary School
- Ayakhanya Ngece, Curro Westbrook
- Cayzen Haupt, Paterson High School
- Eryne Rondganger, Alexander Road High School
- Hein Victor, Cape Recife High School
- Layla Ahmed, Curro Westbrook
- Liam Blignault, Framesby High School
- Miley de Villiers, Sunridge Primary School
- Nathan Benadé, HTS Daniël Pienaar THS
- Tayden Dewkumar, Curro Westbrook
LIMPOPO
- Didintle Nokana, Kingfisher Private School
- Hannah Jordan, Kingfisher Private School
- Hlayiseka Hlungwane, Khanyisa Education Centre
- Khanani Masingi, Khanyisa Education Centre
- Khanimambo Hlaneki, Khanyisa Education Centre
- Makhadzi Nemakundani, Khanyisa Education Centre
- Mathapelo Sebola, Namakgale Primary School
- Paballo Nkwane, Kingfisher Private School
- Phologo Senyolo, Stanley Mopai Secondary School
- Rhandzu Fuela, Mbhangazeki Secondary School
- Tereso Ralebala, Xibukulana High School
- Keitumetse Maja, Dennis Matlhaba II Secondary School
- Lethabo Mohlake, D.G. Tsebe High School
- Matome Kgathi, Hoërskool Piet Potgieter
- Semakaleng Makgetha, Ramogabudi Senior Secondary School
- Alhassan Shaibu, Tom Naude H.T.S
- Dimpho Ntjana, Kgotloana Primary School
- Jerusha Mthombeni, Jabez Christian Academy
- Kgothatso Sebopela, Leap Science and Maths School
- Lesego Mokgabudi, Tom Naude H.T.S
- Mashabela Mahlatjie, Sehlaku Technical High School
- Neo Chuene, Capricorn High School
- Noko Legodi, Khaiso High School
- Tasmiyah Mia, Nirvana Learning Academy
- Unakho Monama, Tom Naude H.T.S
- Dakalo Mbedzi, St Augustine Residential School
- Malwandla Naled Mdaka, Hluvuka High School
- Rotshidzwa Nelufule, Thohoyandou Technical High School
- Sammy Akonaho Bhimjee, Vhafamadi Secondary School
NORTH WEST
- Haddazah Kazambe, Thibogang Primary School
- Hanlie Swart, Vryburg High School
- Karabo Nkomo, Tong Technical School
- Lefoko Mongala, Vryburg High School
- Nolofatso Mothibedi, Tong Technical School
- Oreneile Senwedi, Vryburg High School
- Tsaone Thekoeng, Kakanyo Primary School
- Amen Achiso, Manzilpark Primary School
- Bokamoso Motloung, High School for Girls Potchefstroom
- Gabriëla Kruger, High School for Girls Potchefstroom
- Julie Neuwmann, High School for Girls Potchefstroom
- Oratilwe Nche, High School for Girls Potchefstroom
- Reatlegile Mooketsi, Manzilpark Primary School
- Rumaysah Nakooda, Qurtuba Online Academy
- Shreya Zacaria, High School for Girls Potchefstroom
- Bongoe Mogapi, Curro Academy
- Brandon Mashandudze, Curro Academy
- Bushra Saiyed, Zeerust Primary School
- Hillary Waldegebriel, Curro Academy
- Reaotshepa Romane, Ngotwane Secondary School
- Yusuf Ismail Nana, Zeerust Primary School
- Antonia Shapota, Tsholofelo Technical School
- Chris Christian, Zinniaville Secondary School
- Ethan Marais, Holy Family Secondary School
- Marko Maree, Hoërskool Rustenburg
- Ndiene Netangaheni, Rustenburg-Noord Primary School
- Otsile Kgasoe, Rakoko Secondary School
- Reatlegile Mangwane, Mmankala Technical School
- Ruchik Joshi, Zinniaville Secondary School
- Timothy Van der Westhuizen, Lebone College
- Waldo Fouche’, Hoërskool Rustenburg
MPUMALANGA
- Aiden Pösch, Hoërskool Secunda
- Briaana Lungu, Curro Secunda
- Cebo Mavimbela, Ubuhlebuzile Secondary School
- Dimpho Ratau, Hoërskool Secunda
- Dineo Ratau, Hoërskool Secunda
- Kagiso Dludlu, Takheni Secondary School
- Kagiso Phala, Evander High School
- Kyra Pretorius, Hoërskool Hoogenhout
- Leané Luddick, Laerskool Goedehoop
- Marlhuné Bezuidenhout, Hoërskool Secunda
- Nhlakanipho Magagula, Inqubeko Secondary School
- Nomsa Manana, Takheni Secondary School
- Philip Cloete, Laerskool Goedehoop
- Sinegugu Nkosi, Umzimvelo Secondary School
- Lihle Malibe, Primêre Skool Kellysville
- Mahlatsi Angela Mamiane, Mashishing Secondary School
- Princess Phalane, Hoërskool Lydenburg
- Solyana Kebede, Laerskool Lydenburg
- Aditi Singh, Hoërskool Middelburg
- Charlotte Emily Joubert, Hoërskool Middelburg
- Hamzah Loonat, Hoërskool Middelburg
- Lihlelethu Thandiwe Shabalala, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog
- Nosicelo Innocentia Mtshweni, Mphanama Secondary School
- Omphile Phahlamohlaka, KwaNdebele Science School
- Sharista Heerlall, Middelburg Primary School
- Shalom Lasimu, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog
- Solomon Makhensa Baloyi, Mapala Secondary School
- Tshepisho Vuyo Nkosi, Zacheus Malaza Secondary School
- Usapholwami Nkosi, Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog
- Daniël Ferreira, Komatipoort Akademie
- Gcebile Andisiwe Mathabela, Vulindlela Senior Secondary School
- Khayone Msibi, Klippspringer Primary School
- Lerato Kamanga, Hoërskool Bergvlam
- Leon Khulekani Wandisa Fakude, Khutsalani Secondary School
- Mohamed Aman Patel, Valencia Combined School
- Mmathapelo Sakoane, Hoërskool Bergvlam
- Princess Sibiya, Portia Shabangu Secondary School
- Syamthanda Thwala, Hoërskool Barberton
- Thabiso Thani, Suikerland Secondary School
GAUTENG
- Aradhya Kaushik, Bryanston High School
- Bontle Tseka, Sacred Heart College
- Estelle Leonard, De La Salle Holy Cross College
- Jenovic Lumu, St John’s College
- Khumoetsile Masingi, St John’s College
- Kimaya Chana, Wolsey Hall Oxford
- Lilitha Kona, Parktown High School for Girls
- Nathan Moolman, Leeuwenhof Akademie
- Oluwatomisin Akerele, Roosevelt High School
- Scott Baker, Bryanston High School
- Shalom Oluwatumilra Arotiba, Jeppe High School for Girls
- Sanele Methula, R.W. Fick Secondary School
- Terishka Jimmy, Acts House of Education
- Thapelo Shawa, Kings School
- Unathi Chinelo Iloh, Kensington Secondary School
- Urishka Jimmy, Acts House of Education
- Abdulhafiz Kemale, Nizamiye School Mayfair
- Atlehang Ngali, Dr Molefi Oliphant Math, Science & ICT School of Specialisation
- Botlhale Maisele, Dr Molefi Oliphant Math, Science & ICT School of Specialisation
- Matome Tjipana, UJ Academy Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation
- Mvuyelwa Bam, Abbotts College JHB South
- Oratiloe Chesane, Vaal Triangle Academy
- Raghad Irhuma, Nizamiye School Mayfair
- Rudra Patel, UJ Academy Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation
- Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi, Acudeo College Protea Glen
- Akhona Angel Kama, Gatang Secondary School
- Bonolo Rammego, Cultura High School
- Dea Higgins, Nebula College
- George Higgins, Nebula College
- Gift Matibidi Moagi, Thuto Bohlale Secondary School
- Gustav Heesen, Afrikaans Hoër Seuns Skool
- Hendre Keyser, Hoërskool Waterkloof
- Johan (Floris Petrus Johannes) Vorster, Pretoria Boys High School
- Liam (FWC) Weyer, Laerskool Elarduspark
- Ofentse Matabane, Soshanguve Engineering School of Specialisation
- Paseka Tlhako, Lesedi Secondary School
- Reinhardt Rossouw, Hoërskool Zwartkop
- Siwoo Lee, St Alban’s College
- Teneal Keyser, Hoërskool Waterkloof
- Bongokuhle Kekana, Tersia King Learning Academy
- Daniel Youlton, St Declan’s School for Boys
- Itumeleng Chiloane, Ekurhuleni East TVET College [Tuka Curious Minds]
- Koketso Ngobeni, St Declan’s School for Boys
- Marema Francis Mamabolo, Royal Schools Sky City
- Msebewelanga Mtshali, Tersia King Learning Academy
- Olubanzi Nyembe, Tersia King Learning Academy
- Relebogile Rapulana, Hoërskool Jeugland
KWAZULU-NATAL
- Amanda Mkhize, Scottburgh High School
- Azariah Tazlyn Singh, Port Shepstone High School
- Ethan Zechariah Mohan, Port Shepstone Secondary School
- Jecholia Moodley, Scottburgh High School
- Kate-Lynne Weller, Creston College
- Kian Naidoo, Scottburgh High School
- Nathanael Chetty, Scottburgh High School
- Abongile Ndlovu, Impumelelo
- Aneliswa Mnguni, Star of the Sea High School
- Hleloluhle Gumede, Hhoye Secondary School
- Mikaela van der Merwe, Inkosi Moses Zikhali Secondary School
- Nkazimulo Sibiya, Impumelelo
- Siyamdinga Mathenjwa, Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence
- Sthembile Xhakaza, Nkodibe Secondary School
- Amkelwe Ntshangase, Sunnydale Secondary School
- Aphelele Mncwango, Empangeni High School
- Buhle Buthelezi, Empangeni High School
- Jané Swanepoel, Arboretum Primary School
- Noluthando Mlondo, Empangeni High School
- Simphiwe Nxumalo, Qhakaza High School
- Siyamthanda Gumbi, Aquadene Secondary School
- Alaika Olla, Ladysmith High School
- Arnav Ramdass, St Dominics Newcastle
- Nimal Singh, Lincoln Heights Secondary School
- Palesa Hadebe, Estcourt Secondary School
- Rajita Goel, Hamilton College
- Sean Hove, Ekukhuleni High School
- Shriyaal Siveraj, St Dominics Newcastle
- Suliwe Nxumalo, Ladysmith Secondary School
- Zivezi Chloe Miya, Colenso Primary School
- Amukelwa Bhengu, Carter High School
- Aphelele Jali, Anton Lembede MST Academy
- Eneme Qwabe, Anton Lembede MST Academy
- Husna Dhooma, Orient Islamic School
- Kenisha Pillay, Raisethorpe Secondary School
- Kian Vikash Premlall, Star College Durban
- Luc MaClou, Reddam House Umhlanga
- Mahir Somera, Star College Durban
- Phumlani Zikhali, Anton Lembede MST Academy
- Sinethemba Amber Majola, Anton Lembede MST Academy
- Siphosenkosi Khanya Maseko, Anton Lembede MST Academy
- Snazo Nzama, Adams College
- Srishti Hariparshad, Star College Durban
- Theneha Chetty, Durban Girls’ College
- Themba Malinga, Hunt Road Secondary School
- Vaishnav Singh Hariparshad, Star College Durban
LESOTHO (Physical)
- Bok’hazi Dylan Mapetja, Christ the King High School, Lesotho
- Rapelang Lerotholi, St. Stephens Diocesan High School, Lesotho
RUSSIA (Physical)
- Daria Uspanova, Information Technology Lyceum №24, Russia
- David Zorin, Suntar Polytechnic Lyceum-Boarding School, Russia
TÜRKIYE (Virtual)
- Hüma Şen, Izmir Cigli Aydogan Yagci Science and Art Center, Türkiye
- Yavuz Şen, Izmir Cigli Aydogan Yagci Science and Art Center, Türkiye
TUNISIA (Virtual)
- Adam Slimane, Association Tunisienne pour l’Avenir des Sciences et de la Technologie (ATAST), Tunisia
- Asma Chtioui, Association Tunisienne pour l’Avenir des Sciences et de la Technologie (ATAST), Tunisia
MOZAMBIQUE (Virtual)
- Duhel Hélder Nombora, Mozambique, Willow International School Maputo, Mozambique
- Miguel Fausto Santismo Ngove, Willow International School Maputo, Mozambique
CHINA (Virtual)
- Junyi Chen, The Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University, China
- Ziqi Huang, The Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University, China
GHANA (Virtual)
- Naana Abena Nhyira Akoto-Bamfo, Ghana International School, Ghana
- Zara Jane Danso, Ghana International School, Ghana
More international participants will be announced once confirmed…
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