Newcastle High School’s bright young innovator, Sohil Bharat, shone at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), earning two coveted full bursaries for his exceptional project in the Engineering category.
The fair, held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 6 to 10 October, brought together top young scientists from across South Africa and abroad to showcase their creativity and research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
The Grade 12 learner who represented the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Region said the moment his name was announced for the bursaries will stay with him forever.
“When they announced my name for the Babcock NextGen Engineering Bursary and then the Eskom bursary, I felt all my nerves and tiredness wash away,” said Sohil. “The only thing I felt was pure happiness. I couldn’t stop smiling. It means the world to me that such big companies that I once dreamed of working for recognised my potential. I’ll forever be grateful to them for believing in me.”
Bharat’s journey with Eskom Expo began two years ago, when he was selected by his school principal and Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair Director, Mr Manuel Govender, to assist at the regional science fair.
“When I was in Grade 10, I helped out at the regional science fair and was blown away by the amazing inventions created by people my age and even younger,” he recalled. “I was drawn to the opportunities the Eskom Expo offered, and that inspired me to participate the following year,” he said.
Bharat’s first research project, entered in the Computer Science category, earned him a Gold medal, fuelling his determination to push himself further. This year, in his Matric year, he entered his project, “Vulcan Shield” in the Engineering category, which was a decision that led to national recognition and life-changing opportunities.
Beyond his achievements in science, Bharat, a Bronze medal winner, described himself as a typical teenager who enjoys balance.
“Before Matric, I used to enjoy playing games like any other teenager,” he said. “These days, I enjoy playing pool and spending time with my friends; there’s not much to do in Newcastle, so we make the most of it,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at the 45th Eskom Expo ISF, Bharat said it was as much about connection as it was about competition.
“My most memorable moments include meeting people from all over the country and learning about their projects and cultures,” he said. “The disco night was the best! Everyone’s true personality came out through their funny dance moves.”
For Bharat, science is about curiosity, a desire to understand how the universe works and why things happen.
“I’ve always been interested in finding out how our universe was created,” he said. “I have a natural tendency to think about why things happen and how they relate to the world around us.”
To younger scientists preparing for their first science fair, Bharat said: “Pick a project that genuinely interests you and motivates you to go beyond your limits. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed the first time, you either win or you learn. Work harder than ever, so that when it’s time to present, you can stand proudly, knowing you’ve given it your all.”
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