Young scientists take centre stage at Bloemfontein Regional Science Fair

The Central University of Technology buzzed with energy as more than 100 budding young scientists took centre stage at the Eskom Expo Bloemfontein Regional Science Fair, proudly showcasing their innovative research and scientific talent.

The regional science fair on 2 August 2025 featured 82 projects showcased by 115 young scientists in Grades 4–12, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4. These learners progressed in their Expo journeys after taking part in various activities throughout the year, including workshops and District Expos.

The most popular category at this year’s fair was Engineering, with 31 entries, followed by strong participation in Computer Sciences (12), Energy (12) and Social Sciences (eight).

Eskom Expo’s Bloemfontein Regional Science Fair Director, Renier Watson said since the first Bloemfontein Regional Expo was hosted in 1985 until this year when we celebrated our region’s 40^th birthday, it has been proven repeatedly that the Bloemfontein Region is indeed a true genius incubator.

“Well done to the young scientists who applied their scientific skills to grow their knowledge and expand their frames of reference. The expo cannot be a success without the team of volunteers who invest time and energy in growing our brilliant youth. This includes the regional committee, judges, mentors and every other foot on the ground. The parents of our young scientists are also commended – thank you for driving them around, listening to their ideas and allowing them to do messy experiments in your kitchens, all in the name of science. And a special thank you to our amazing sponsors for elevating the Expo to the prestigious event that it has become,” said Watson.

During the awards ceremony, learners were recognised for excellence in research and innovation. A total of 13 Gold medals, 23 Silver medals, and 33 Bronze medals were awarded. The top young scientists were honoured with prestigious Eskom Special Awards. The award recipients, who received Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers sponsored by Eskom, included:

Award	Recipient	School	Grade	Project title
Best Female	Jana Swanepoel	Oranje Meisieskool	9	Plantastic Pods 2.0: Integrated Smart Agriculture Water Purification Plant Propagation Technology
Best Innovation	Olivia Winckler and Lemay Pienaar	Eunice Primary School	7	Threads of Warmth
Best energy Project	Jemma Myburg	Eunice Primary School	7	Accelerating the solar distillation system using only recycled materials
Best development project	Rorisang Mohlobuli	Bloemfontein High School	8	Quantifying GoldBach: An analysis of Prime Pair Patterns

The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele said one of the most powerful aspects of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is its deliberate focus on inclusion and transformation.

“By targeting previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) and placing a strong emphasis on girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI), the Expo ensures that access to quality scientific education and innovation opportunities is extended to learners who have historically been excluded from such platforms. This not only builds equity within the education system, but also creates a more diverse and representative pool of future scientists and engineers. Eskom is proud to support a programme that actively breaks down barriers and opens doors for every child, regardless of background or gender, to thrive in STEMI fields, said Motshele.”

Top performing young scientists in each category received a R500 cash prize sponsored by the University of the Free State’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. These included:

Name	Grade	School	Category	Project Title
Jaco Deysel	12	Jim Fouché High School	Computer Sciences	The Impact Of A Look-Up Table Design On Aes Encryption Speed And Ram Demanded
Jemma Myburgh	7	Eunice Primary School	Energy	Accelerating the solar distillation system using only recycled materials
Jana Swanepoel	9	C&N Oranje Sekondêre Meisieskool	Agricultural Sciences	Plantastic Pods 2.0: Integrated Smart Agriculture Water Purification Plant Propagation Technology
Rorisang Mohlobuli	8	Bloemfontein High School	Mathematics	Quantifying GoldBach: An analysis of Prime Pair Patterns
Lihané Opperman	10	Martie du Plessis High School	Social Sciences	For Autism Sake
Denica Swartz	7	Eunice Primary School	Biomedical and Medical Sciences	The Accuracy of Steps Counters
Lilly McPherson	7	Eunice Primary School	Environmental Studies	Bubbly Bioplastics – Finding the best glycerin mix for green packaging.
Olivia Winkler	7	Eunice Primary School	Engineering	Threads of Warmth
Lemay Pienaar	7	Eunice Primary School	Engineering	Threads of Warmth

Selected learners were awarded tickets to the planetarium, sponsored by the University of the Free State’s Department of Physics. These included: 

Name	School	Grade	Project Title
Nneka Nwafor	Eunice High School	10	LingoLink ZA
Charlotte Gibbens	Jim Fouché Hoërskool	8	Eco-friendly slumgum fire starter
Obotshelo Mokotjo	R.T. Mokgopa High School	11	A Powered Crop Tracker
Leano Goeieman	Curro Bloemfontein	5	A mechanical table
Anashe Masakure	Eunice Primary School	7	Biodegradable Plastic, because animals matter too!
Kayla Wessels	Eunice Primary School	6	Roots of Success: How different watering methods affect plant growth
Kayla Dreyer	Eunice Primary School	6	Roots of Success: How different watering methods affect plant growth
Lee-rah Mokoena	Eunice Primary School	6	Eunice Traffic Impact assessment

The Department of Water and Sanitation goodie bags to the following learners: 

Name	School	Grade	Project Title
Kabelo Makumane	Kgorathuto Secondary School	10	Hydroloop
Ongezwa Myozolo	Setjhaba Se Maketse Combined School	9	Hydroponic System
Bokamoso Nchejane	Setjhaba Se Maketse Combined School	10	Hydroponic System

Enkindle Robotics awarded robotics kits and tuition vouchers to the following learners:

Name	School	Grade	Project Title
5th Karabo Monaune (Tuition voucher)	R.T. Makgopa	11	Smart Cane
4th Goitsemodimo Mafabatho (Tuition voucher)	R.T. Makgopa	11	Safe Drive
3rd Natalya Fernandes and Brooklyn Torres (Robotics kits and tuition vouchers)	Eunice Primary School	7	Blind Sensing Cane
2nd Nneka Nwafor (Robotics kit and tuition voucher)	Eunice High School	10	LingoLink ZA
1st Jaco Deysel (Robotics kit and tuition voucher)	Jim Fouché Hoërskool	12	The Impact Of A Look-Up Table Design On Aes Encryption Speed And Ram Demanded

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the expo’s commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI) at the school level is powerfully demonstrated through this inspiring Regional Science Fair.

“It not only offers a unique platform for talented young scientists to showcase their groundbreaking innovations but also opens doors to exciting career pathways across a wide range of scientific fields, especially in scarce skills as outlined in the NDP2030. The exceptional projects presented, especially by learners from previously disadvantaged communities and young girls, stand as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more inclusive future in science and innovation that our country desperately needs. Congratulations to all the deserving medal winners! We wish you continued success in your scientific journey and look forward to your achievements at the upcoming Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF),” said Chetty.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend an upcoming reginal science fair in their area with their children and learners, to experience first-hand the creativity and innovation of South Africa’s young scientists; and to be inspired to take part in next year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. For dates and venues, click here.

View photos of the event by clicking here.