Outstanding young scientists were rewarded for excellence at the Eskom Expo Cape Town Regional Science Fair, with prestigious bursaries, scholarships and special awards presented in recognition of exceptional research, innovation and scientific achievement across a wide range of disciplines.
Hosted at the University of Cape Town’s Sports Centre on 12 and 13 August 2026, the Regional Science Fair featured 235 projects, including group projects, presented by 333 learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students at NC(V) Level 2-4. Participants advanced to the Regional Science Fair after taking part in a range of Eskom Expo activities throughout the year, including workshops and compulsory District Expos, where they received valuable guidance and feedback from judges, mentors and STEMI professionals.
This year’s projects reflected a wide range of scientific interests and community-focused solutions across the 13 Eskom Expo categories. The most popular categories were Social Sciences along with Biomedical and Medical Sciences, which attracted 31 entries each, followed by Physics, Astronomy and Space Sciences which attracted 27 entries.
Eskom Expo’s Western Cape Provincial Coordinator, Lyndon Manas, said: “This year’s event was a resounding success and a celebration of the talent, curiosity and ingenuity of our young scientists. We were particularly impressed by the quality of the research and the critical thinking demonstrated by learners as they explored everyday challenges and made new discoveries through their Eskom Expo journey. Taking an independent research project from an idea to presentation requires tremendous dedication, and we are incredibly proud of every learner who participated. Our sincere appreciation goes to our title sponsor, Eskom, our partners, sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, participating schools, teachers and everyone who contributed to making the event possible. To our young scientists, continue asking questions, exploring new ideas and pursuing knowledge with confidence. Never stop being curious.”
During the awards ceremony, young scientists were recognised for excellence in scientific research and innovation. A total of 79 Gold medals, 101 Silver medals and 101 Bronze medals were awarded. The outstanding young scientists were honoured with prestigious Special Awards sponsored by Eskom. These award recipients, who received smart watches, were as follows:
| Award | Recipient | School |
| Best Female | Aimee Levy and Mia Braun | Herzlia High School |
| Best Energy Project | Veer Atwaru and Luan Odendaal | Parklands College |
| Best Innovation | Aidan Fahy and Felix Lorentz | International School of Cape Town |
| Best Development Project | Eyintando Bentshu | Intshukumo High School |
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “Expanding equitable access to quality STEM opportunities remains a key priority for the Eskom Development Foundation. Through Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we are empowering learners, particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities, to participate, excel and realise their full potential. The diversity and quality of projects showcased at this year’s Regional Science Fairs reflect the exceptional talent that exists across South Africa. We congratulate every participating learner on their achievement and wish those advancing to the next stage every success as they continue their scientific journey and represent their regions with pride.”
Several special awards were also presented during the awards ceremony in recognition of outstanding achievement, including the following:
Best in Category Awards (Junior)
- Biomedical and Medical Sciences: Rania Hanslo (Islamia Girls College)
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Jake Flax and Harry Harringh (Herzlia High School)
- Computer Sciences and Software Development: Amaar Ebrahim (Cannons Creek Independent School)
- Energy: Aidan Fahy and Felix Lorentz (International School of Cape Town)
- Engineering: Ben Nieuwoudt (International School of Cape Town)
- Environmental Studies: Alexandra De Roo (Pinelands High School)
- Mathematics: Yusuf Moolla (Star College Bridgetown)
- Physics, Astronomy and Space Sciences: Gabriel Walker-Mohamed (Westerford High School)
- Plant Sciences: Abigail Abrahams and Peyton Worship (Springfield Convent)
- Social Sciences: Nuna Forlee Vella and Malaika Gibbon (Springfield Convent)
Best in Category Awards (Senior)
- Agricultural Sciences: Keira Laubscher and Shani Ralph (Herzlia High School)
- Animal Sciences: Minentle Njikelana (Luhlaza High School)
- Biomedical and Medical Sciences: Ariella Shap (Herzlia High School)
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Milo Bonadei and Dean Weich (Bishops)
- Computer Sciences and Software Development: Caleb Hugo (Wynberg Boys’ High School)
- Earth Sciences: Cruz Sun (Bishops)
- Energy: Veer Atwaru and Luan Odendaal (Parklands College)
- Engineering: Ying Chen Leu (American International School of Cape Town)
- Environmental Studies: Oliver Leslie (Herzlia High School)
- Mathematics: Resego Mpshane and Rishile Sambo (Heathfield High School)
- Physics, Astronomy and Space Sciences: Dylan Hall and Deepesh Rawat (American International School of Cape Town)
- Plant Sciences: Mohammad Nadeem (Star College Bridgetown)
- Social Sciences: Layla Moolla (Star College Cape Town)
City of Cape Town Mayor’s Choice Award (cash prize and trophy)
- Zeenat Kamaldien and Zayaan Hassan (Islamia Girls College)
- Madison Wehrley (Parklands College)
- Nastiiho Hudey and Anisa Mohamed (Atlantis Secondary School)
CPUT: South African Quantum Technology Initiative
- Anders Pillay (St George’s Grammar School)
Rhodes University Bursary (First year’s tuition fee)
- Ariella Shap (Herzlia High School)
Royal Society of South Africa Scholarship (valued at R15,000)
- Layla Moolla (Star College Cape Town)
Additional Special Awards (cash prizes)
- Kevin Rochford Award: Ariella Shap (Herzlia High School)
- John Crossland Award: Aidan Fahy and Felix Lorentz (International School of Cape Town)
- Priscilla Moodley Award: Isra Patel (Star College Cape Town)
Centre for High-Performance Computing (CHPC) Awards (Day tours)
- Caleb Hugo (Wynberg Boys’ High School)
- Damien Gebbie (South Peninsula High School)
- Phelisa Lusithi (Centre of Science and Technology)
Royal Society of Chemistry Awards (book prizes)
- Lara Roux (Parklands College Senior Preparatory)
- Tayyibah Jabaar (Star College Cape Town)
- Liam Govender and Wanga Masindi (Parklands College)
- Alicia Tufin (Pinelands High School)
- Aimee Levy and Mia Braun (Herzlia High School)
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “We extend gratitude to our title sponsor, Eskom, and to all sponsors whose generous support made the regional science fair possible. This funding helps grow the official gateway for school‑level innovation, delivered in partnership with the Departments of Basic Education and Science, Technology, and Innovation. The growing number of participating schools and female learners demonstrates the success of this initiative, while judges noted a marked improvement in project quality. Thank you to the regional committee and the large number of dedicated volunteers who gave time and expertise to guide learners and judge the projects. Best wishes to finalists heading to the International Science Fair; may their research, confidence, and curiosity shine globally and make their schools and communities proud back home.”
Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend a Regional Science Fair in their area with their children and learners to experience firsthand the creativity and innovation of South Africa’s young scientists, and to inspire the next generation of researchers to participate in next year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Dates and venues: www.exposcience.co.za.
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