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Western Cape young scientists make their mark at Eskom Expo International Science Fair

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Western Cape young scientists make their mark at Eskom Expo International Science Fair 

6 October 2026

Young scientists from the Western Cape made their mark on the national stage, earning an impressive collection of bursaries, technology prizes, and special awards at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF). The Special Awards Ceremony celebrated some of South Africa’s brightest young researchers, recognizing their creativity, scientific curiosity and innovative solutions to real-world challenges. With support from Eskom, universities, industry partners and professional organizations, learners received prizes ranging from cash awards and laptops to bursaries that will help open doors to further study.

Among the Western Cape’s standout achievers was Jonathan van Wyk from the Eden Karoo Region. He was recognized for the practical application of mechanical engineering principles and secured a R40 000 bursary from the Wits University Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, available to young scientists enrolling with the faculty in 2027.

Another outstanding achiever was Juma Mahango from Parow High School in the Stellenbosch Region, who was provisionally awarded an Eskom Merit Bursary. The bursary recognizes academic excellence, innovation and achievement and will be confirmed subject to his final National Senior Certificate results and Eskom’s bursary and admission requirements.

Young scientists from across the province continued to impress across several award categories.

  • Jesmine Linnert (Jurie Hayes PS) received the Siemens Energy Rural School Science Club Award.
  • Israa Adam (Parklands College) was awarded the FFS Refiners Award for the most innovative waste recycling project.
  • Daniël Lutz (Paul Roos Gymnasium) received the FFS Refiners Award for scientific learning, exploration, curiosity, and creativity with a positive environmental impact.
  • Linathi Koyana (Murray HS)  received the FFS Refiners Award and was celebrated for exceptional achievement by young women in STEM.
  • Stella-Mari Le Roux (LS Lochnerhof) received the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Award.
  • Carel van Niekerk (HS Piketberg) received an award from Siemens PTY Ltd for his innovative use of technology.
  • Dean Weich (Bishops Diocesan College) received the Shanice Francis Memorial Award for projects offering novel solutions to environmental challenges.
  • Milo Bonadei (Bishops Diocesan College)received the Shanice Francis Memorial Award for projects offering novel solutions to environmental challenges.
  • Yusuf Moolla (Star College) received the Shanice Francis Memorial Award for projects offering novel solutions to environmental challenges.
  • Yu-Yao Chen (Curro Durbanville) received recognition in Biomedical and Medical Sciences and was awarded the Reflecta Laboratory Supplies (PTY) LTD Special Award.
  • Arran Muller (Curro Hermanus) was honored in Chemistry and Biochemistry and was awarded the Reflecta Laboratory Supplies (PTY) LTD Special Award.
  • Razia Jonkers (Star College) was honored in Chemistry and Biochemistry and was awarded the Reflecta Laboratory Supplies (PTY) LTD Special Award.
  • Nina Strydom (HS Punt)received the Soil Science Society of South Africa Award for one of the best soil-related projects.

The Western Cape’s strong showing at ISF 2026 demonstrates the exciting scientific talent emerging from schools across the province. From recycling and environmental sustainability to engineering, technology and biomedical sciences, these young innovators are turning their curiosity into ideas with the potential to make a real difference.

The list of gold, silver and bronze medal winners is available here: Medal winners celebrated at the 2026 Eskom Expo International Science Fair – Eskom Expo for Young Scientists