Eskom Expo Awards R5 Million in Bursaries to Young Scientists at International Science Fair

October 10, 2025

Eskom Invests R5 Million in Bursaries for Young STEM Innovators

Eskom has awarded six full bursaries worth R5 million to exceptional young scientists at the 2025 Eskom Expo International Science Fair, held from October 6-10 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. The bursaries will fund complete tertiary education for the recipients, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and living allowances for STEM studies at accredited South African universities.

The five-day event showcased innovative projects from South Africa's brightest young minds alongside international participants from Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, India, and Russia.

Innovative Projects Addressing Real-World Challenges

The bursary recipients impressed judges with projects tackling significant environmental and social challenges:

• Melokuhle and Simesihle Khuzwayo (Grade 12, King Bhekuzulu High School, KZN Far North) developed sustainable wastewater treatment solutions using banana peel and yeast extracts as alternatives to conventional methods.
• Sohil Bharat (Grade 12, Newcastle High School, Northern KZN) created "Vulcan Shield" – an intelligent mine fire suppression system that detects fires within one minute and extinguishes them in approximately 21 seconds.
• Ozwikona Makuya (Grade 12, Mbilwi Secondary School, Vhembe) designed "MacSonic" – an all-in-one educational app addressing distractions and resource fragmentation in digital learning.
• Jaco Deysel (Grade 12, Jim Fouché High School, Bloemfontein) improved Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technology for better performance in resource-constrained environments.
• Nobuhle Sibeko (Grade 12, Lindley High School, Bethlehem) developed the "Buhle 14-Day Dream Protector System" to help teenagers manage time and regulate emotions.

Additional Awards from Industry Partners

Beyond Eskom's contribution, engineering giants Babcock International and Siemens Energy awarded six additional bursaries worth a combined R6.2 million. Siemens Energy's two bursaries, valued at approximately R1.5 million each, were awarded to Lethukuthula Khumalo (Nkodibe High School) and Azola Sihlahla (Dulati Combined School).

Another prestigious award, the Dr. Derek Gray Gold Medal, went to Olivia Barker (Grade 11, St Mary's DSG Pretoria), which includes attendance at the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar during Nobel Week in 2026 and a three-year study bursary at the University of Pretoria.

Building South Africa's Scientific Future

Mologadi Motshele, Eskom Development Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the program's nationwide impact: "Eskom Expo has impacted the lives of more than 17,000 young people this year alone... By consistently investing in the Expo as a trusted national platform, Eskom is not only creating opportunities for learners to showcase their talents but also driving the broader national agenda of skills development, innovation, and economic growth."

Outlook: Supporting South Africa's STEM Pipeline

The Eskom Expo continues to be a critical pathway for identifying and nurturing scientific talent across South Africa. With the power utility facing ongoing challenges in engineering capacity and technical expertise, these investments in STEM education represent a strategic approach to developing the next generation of engineers and scientists who may eventually contribute to solving the country's energy challenges.

As South Africa works to stabilize its energy infrastructure, programs like the Expo are increasingly important for building a pipeline of skilled professionals who understand both technical innovation and the practical challenges facing sectors like energy production and distribution.

Key Terms Explained

STEM/STEMI: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (and Innovation) - the core technical fields that form the foundation of modern technological advancement.

CSI: Corporate Social Investment - business initiatives that contribute to community and social development beyond core business operations.

AES Encryption: Advanced Encryption Standard - a specification for electronic data encryption established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.

SIYSS: Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar - an annual week-long event for young international scientists held during Nobel Week in Stockholm.