For Shalom Lasimu, winning a Siemens Energy Higher Education Bursary valued at R675 000 at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) removed one of the biggest obstacles standing between her and her dream of studying engineering.
The Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog learner from eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, represented the Nkangala Region at the ISF, where she also received a Highly Commended Certificate and a Siemens PTY Ltd Award, earning a laptop for an innovative technology project.
However, the announcement of the Siemens Energy bursary became the defining moment of her 2026 Eskom Expo journey.
“At this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair, my standout moment was when I received the Siemens Energy Bursary,” Lasimu said. “That was the highlight of my year, proving that hard work really does pay off.”
The full bursary will enable Lasimu to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at a South African university of her choice and includes tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances and a laptop.
For a young scientist with ambitions of pursuing engineering after school, the opportunity carries significance far beyond receiving an award.
“It felt really grand to win that award, and it means a lot to me because I have a huge dream to study engineering,” she said. “There were a lot of obstacles I saw in the way, one of them being funds, so to me the bursary was definitely an answered prayer.”
Lasimu grew up in eMalahleni, formerly known as Witbank. Her journey with Eskom Expo began three years ago when the programme was introduced at her school.
That introduction gave Lasimu a chance to explore an interest sparked by everyday problems that need solutions.
“My passion for engineering and innovation comes from witnessing real-life problems and having a desire to solve them,” she said.
Her continued participation ultimately took her to the ISF, where her work earned recognition from both Siemens and Siemens Energy and brought her closer to turning her interest in engineering into a future career.
While STEMI plays an important role in her life, Lasimu also makes time for interests away from research and innovation. She enjoys reading and is learning to play both the piano and the guitar.
After three years of involvement with Eskom Expo and an ISF experience that has helped open the door to university, Lasimu’s message to young scientists beginning their own journey is simple.
“Don’t give up. Always give your 100%, and believe that eventually your hard work will be rewarded,” she said.
For Lasimu, that belief has already produced a life-changing result. What began with Eskom Expo being introduced at her school three years ago has led to national recognition, two awards, and a R675 000 bursary that could help turn her dream of becoming an engineer into reality.
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