Photo: Overall winner’s category went to L-R: Kganyo Makapane from Hentie Cilliers High School won the Best Energy Project for her Hybotene: Hybrid Energy Robot project and Karmni Visser from Welkom Gimnasium School won the Best Female Engineering Project for her Fantastic plastic project.

Following a successful Eskom Expo, which was held in Bloemfontein on 05 and 06 August 2023, the expo continued on 11 and 12 August 2023 at the Welkom Campus with the participation of grades 4 - 12 from 22 schools in Lejweleputswa District. The Expo encourages learners to explore science research and spark their interest in STEM careers.

About 115 research projects were entered into 13 categories, with levels for grades 4-7; grade 8-9 and grade 10-12, and a total of 55 judges, who used the national rubric to evaluate each project in terms of scientific principles, creativity, written work and the oral presentation. Among the categories entered, young scientists presented their research ideas and innovations from Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Medical Sciences, Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Plant Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Energy and Social Sciences categories.

Prof. Solomon Makola, Welkom Campus Director, graced the Expo. In his opening remarks, he said that each young scientist is a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the incredible potential within science and innovation. “In a world that is constantly evolving, it is your passion for discovery that fuels progress. Your projects, experiments and ideas have not only captivated our imagination but have the power to shape the very fabric of our future. From renewable energy solutions to medical breakthroughs and engineering innovations, your contributions are an invaluable stepping stone towards a better world.”

A total of 25 projects received bronze medals, 19 received silver medals, and 15 were awarded gold medals. Karmni Visser from Welkom Gimnasium School won the Best Female Engineering Project for her project ‘Fantastic Plastic’, and Kganyo Makapane from Hentie Cilliers High School won the Best Energy Project for her Hybotene: Hybrid Energy Robot project.