From exploring environmental challenges to developing engineering and technology solutions, young scientists at the Eskom Expo Stellenbosch Regional Science Fair demonstrated how curiosity can be transformed into meaningful research, while outstanding projects were recognised with a range of awards and prizes.
Hosted at Stellenbosch University, Engineering Faculty on 21 August 2026, the Regional Science Fair featured 206 projects, including group projects, presented by 276 learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students NC(V) Level 2-4. Participants advanced to the Regional Science Fair after taking part in a range of Eskom Expo activities throughout the year, including workshops and compulsory District Expos, where they received valuable guidance and feedback from judges, mentors and STEMI professionals.
This year’s projects reflected a wide range of scientific interests and community-focused solutions across the 13 Eskom Expo categories. The most popular category was Environmental Studies, which attracted 30 entries, followed by Engineering and Social Sciences with 29 entries each.
Eskom Expo Stellenbosch Regional Science Fair Director, Toinette Horn, said this year’s fair demonstrated what is possible when young scientific curiosity, innovative thinking and academic expertise come together.
“From low-cost technology and renewable energy concepts to research exploring artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering and environmental sustainability, our young scientists showed that they are ready to tackle real-world challenges. We were particularly proud to have the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Engineering host the Regional Science Fair for the first time and thank the faculty for its invaluable support as a partner and key sponsor. Their involvement provides our learners with inspiration, recognition and the confidence to believe that their ideas have a place in the world of science and engineering. We are immensely proud of every learner who participated, including those who travelled from communities as far as Touwsrivier and Hermanus, and we thank our educators, parents, judges, volunteers, partners and sponsors for supporting their journey. We should remember the names of these young scientists, because among them may be the innovators, engineers and researchers whose ideas will help shape South Africa’s future,” said Horn.
During the awards ceremony, young scientists were recognised for excellence in scientific research and innovation. A total of 75 Gold medals, 83 Silver medals and 68 Bronze medals were awarded. The outstanding young scientists were honoured with prestigious Special Awards sponsored by Eskom. These award recipients, who received smart watches, were as follows:
| Award | Recipient | School |
| Best Female | Yu-Yao Chen | Curro Durbanville |
| Best Energy Project | Liam Foxfort | Curro Durbanville |
| Best Innovation | Daniel Lutz | Paul Roos Gymnasium |
| Best Development Project | Cullen Fillies and Kieran Leander | Protea Heights Academy |
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “For many learners, the Regional Science Fairs are an important milestone on the journey to the Eskom Expo International Science Fair and other prestigious global platforms where South African talent is recognised and celebrated. Through Eskom’s support of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, these young scientists gain access to mentorship, recognition and opportunities that can shape their academic and career aspirations. We congratulate every learner who participated and wish those advancing to the Eskom Expo International Science Fair every success as they continue to represent their regions and South Africa with distinction.”
Several Best in Category Awards, sponsored by Stellenbosch University (SU) in the form of vouchers, were presented to young scientists in recognition of outstanding research across the Eskom Expo categories:
- Agricultural Sciences: Best Junior, Elena Lombard and Liike Bekker (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof); Best Senior, Neil du Preez (Curro Durbanville High School)
- Animal Sciences: Best Junior, Xia du Toit and Kirsten Bouwer (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof); Best Senior, Dylan Schroder (Curro Hermanus)
- Biomedical and Medical Sciences: Best Junior, Ayama Greyi and Amara Mhlongo (Academy Private School); Best Senior, Yu-Yaou Chen (Curro Durbanville High School)
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Best Junior, Leah Janse van Vuuren and Mane Jacobs; Best Senior, Arran Muller (Curro Hermanus)
- Computer Sciences and Software Development: Best Junior, Joshua Cronje (Hermanus High School)
- Earth Sciences: Best Senior, Cullen Fillies and Kieran Leander (Protea Heights Academy)
- Energy: Best Junior, Abigail Botha (Laerskool Lochnerhof); Best Senior, Liam Foxtcroft (Curro Durbanville High School)
- Engineering: Best Junior, Janos Versveld and Nicolaas du Plessis (Paul Roos Gymnasium); Best Senior, Christopher Rich and Simon Louw (Curro Durbanville High School)
- Environmental Studies: Best Junior, Annebelle Groenewald (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof); Best Senior, Wihan Saayman (Curro Durbanville High School)
- Mathematics: Best Senior, Reece Manning (Curro Durbanville High School)
- Physics, Astronomy and Space Sciences: Best Junior, Joel Craib (Hermanus High School); Best Senior, Carla Fourie (Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle)
- Plant Sciences: Best Junior, Connor McLachlan (Welgemoed Primary School); Best Senior, Fredrick Lubbe (Curro Hermanus)
- Social Sciences: Best Junior, Mikayla van der Berg; Best Senior, Jadon Steele and Paul Dryden (Curro Somerset West)
Additionally, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) awarded the South African Quantum Technology Initiative Award, which included a tablet, to Reinhardt Naudé from Welgemoed Primary School. A 40-Year Long Service Award was also presented to Mada du Toit in recognition of her remarkable four decades of dedicated service and contribution to Eskom Expo.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “Heartfelt thanks to the regional committee and the many volunteers who gave their time and expertise to the Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair. Your mentorship, judging and behind-the-scenes coordination created a welcoming environment where young scientists could test ideas, learn and grow confidence. Judges observed a notable rise in project quality, evidence of strong guidance and learner commitment. We also thank our title sponsor, Eskom and other generous partners for funding this official gateway for school‑level innovation, delivered in partnership with the Departments of Basic Education and Science, Technology, and Innovation. Best wishes to finalists advancing to the International Science Fair; may you continue to inspire.”
View photos of the event by clicking here.
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