Approximately 250 learners from 50 schools across Northern KwaZulu-Natal filled the air with excitement as they descended on the Richview Civic Hall to participate in the Eskom Expo Northern KwaZulu-Natal Regional Science Fair on Friday, 28 July 2023.

The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists hosts a series of regional science fairs across South Africa, providing a platform for the country’s most talented young scientists to present their scientific investigations in various fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). Learners from grades 4 to 12, along with learners from TVET colleges in NC2 to NC4, engage with judges, teachers, learners from other schools, parents, and other interested individuals during these regional science fairs.
The regional finals will commence after a series of Eskom Expo workshops, research and innovation camps, and district expos in all nine provinces. Throughout these events, a team of experts provided valuable feedback to the learners, enhancing their research for the upcoming regional competitions.
“The platform provided by the Eskom Expo is crucial in moulding young scientists, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and girls,” said Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty.
Chetty highlighted that the Eskom Expo empowers and nurtures talent in underrepresented communities. The regional expos play a pivotal role in celebrating the future scientists of the nation and creating a platform for them to showcase their exceptional talents and innovative projects. Chetty further emphasised that these events not only allow learners to display their scientific ability but also serve as a powerful source of inspiration for their peers.
Elaborating further, Chetty stated, “By witnessing the remarkable achievements of their fellow learners, more learners are motivated to pursue studies and careers in STEMI fields, which will be beneficial to the country. Through the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists initiative, we can foster a culture of scientific exploration, curiosity, and excellence, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse scientific community that harnesses the talents of all learners, regardless of their background.”
At this year’s regional science fairs, young scientists will actively compete for the highly coveted opportunity to represent their regions and provinces at the prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
The ISF, scheduled to take place in Boksburg from 3 to 6 October 2023, serves as Eskom Expo’s pinnacle event, where the brightest minds gather to actively exhibit their ground breaking research and innovations.
ISF participants will not only actively present their projects but also compete for a multitude of prizes, bursaries, opportunities, and a chance to be selected to showcase their research or innovation in international science fairs in the United States of America, Asia, Europe, and the rest of Africa.
This year’s regional science fairs will actively coincide with National Science Week (NSW), scheduled from 31 July to 5 August. Eskom Expo has actively planned an array of engaging activities throughout the country, including captivating workshops and exciting challenges. Participants can actively look forward to hands on experiences such as creating paper jets, constructing windmills, and engaging in coding and robotics workshops.
Additionally, the STEMI specialists will actively emphasise the significance of evidence based science in the field’s development. They will actively explore various aspects, such as experimenting with different windmill shapes and delving into the advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) in wind energy.
With much ado around the Eskom Expo, the event on Friday actively showcased some of the greatest minds in NKZN. Each learner actively went the distance and showcased their well researched projects.
Provincial Co-Ordinator Nalini Dookie highlighted that participating learners hailing from the Amajuba, uMzinyathi, and uThukela districts showed eagerness, and the Eskom Expos were actively making a positive impact on STEMI education.
Regional Science Fair Director for Northern KwaZulu-Natal Manuel Govender emphasised that the response from the learners and their respective schools was positive and exciting. Learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12 actively competed and showcased the importance of science.
“Science is the way of the future for the country,” said Govender, who actively felt more emphasis needed to be put on science.
With this in mind, Govender explained, “The science fair is the ideal place for learners to find their talents and actively fills the gap between schools and the science world.”
As a huge support of STEMI, Newcastillian News personally congratulates all participants and may you continue your journey, with immense success, in the endless world of science! As Richard Feynman once said, “Scientific knowledge is a power that allows us to do and make things. Scientific knowledge and the vast expanse that it is, allows us to create a multitude of things”.
As learners from across Northern KwaZulu-Natal actively embrace the science fair and showcase their brilliance, what are your thoughts? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 2
Congratulations to all the students who are Participating in the science expo I am proud of you all especially my grandson God bless you all
How can I enter for Eskom expo in boksburg