Suprise Ndlovu, a Grade 12 learner at Boikagong Secondary School in the Paardekraal Township in Rustenburg, is proving that determination and creativity can open doors to a world of innovation.
Representing the North West Province’s Bojanala, Ndlovu made history as the first learner from his school to attend the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), and his success there has inspired many others to dream bigger.
For Ndlovu, the journey to the international stage started at home. “A memorable moment for me was when I won my first prize, the Best Innovation Award in 2024 at the Eskom Expo Bojanala Regional Science Fair,” he said. “It was my first ever prize in my life, and that moment will always stay with me.”
Attending the ISF was another milestone that marked a turning point in his young career. “From my school, I was the first ever to attend an ISF competition, that on its own felt like a dream come true,” he said.
At this year’s ISF, Ndlovu was awarded a Bronze medal and scooped a number of Special Awards, including:
- Babcock NextGen Engineering Bursary Award which recognises young talents pursuing Mechanical Engineering (high-end laptop and full bursary)
- The South African Institute for Electrical Engineers Award (R8 000 cash prize for an outstanding electrical engineering project)
- Siemens PTY Ltd Award (tablet computer for innovative technology projects)
“Winning an award at the ISF was a life-changing moment for me. It motivated me to persevere and strive to achieve more,” said Ndlovu.
The Eskom Expo International Science Fair, now in its 45th year, is South Africa’s premier platform for young scientists to present their research projects to national and international judges. The 2025 event, held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 6 to 10 October, brought together hundreds of learners from across South Africa and countries including Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, India, Ireland, Russia, Ghana and Mexico, all united by a shared passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
The 18-year-old whose include playing chess, racing games, as well as doing research and learning about systems and mechanics.
Ndlovu’s journey with science began at an early age, long before he stepped onto the ISF stage. “I have always been into science when I was growing up, but I never had the platform to showcase my talent,” he said. “With that being said, Eskom Expo provided me with that opportunity to show my capabilities.”
His passion for science and engineering was born out of creativity and resourcefulness.
“My passion for science started when I was young. Growing up, I never had toys to play with, so I started being creative and made my own toys from components I could find around me,” he said. “My passion just grew from there, and I discovered engineering at a young age.”
With an inquisitive mind and the heart of an innovator, Ndlovu believes that challenges are simply opportunities in disguise. “Scientists never encounter problems,” he said with conviction. “They only face challenges, and challenges can be overcome.”
Ndlovu’s journey from a township classroom to the international science stage is a story of hope, resilience, and brilliance. His achievement at the Eskom Expo ISF not only shines a light on his own potential, but also paves the way for other young learners in the North West Province to believe that with passion, hard work, and opportunity, anything is possible.
Read more:
Young innovators shine at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair
Young scientists celebrated at Eskom Expo International Science Fair
Young innovators earn massive prizes at Eskom Expo International Science Fair
Eskom Expo International Science Fair – Special award winners
CreativeBox
