Young innovators awarded at Eskom Expo West Coast Regional Science Fair
Young innovators awarded at Eskom Expo West Coast Regional Science Fair
11 August 2025
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists West Coast regional science fair recently showcased the creativity, critical thinking and innovative solutions of 129 young scientists in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students.
Held at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha on 7 August 2025, the event featured 85 projects that impressed judges with their real-world solutions to challenges facing South Africa.
The most popular category at this year's fair was Social Sciences, with 23 entries, followed by Energy (17), Engineering (15), and Chemistry and Biochemistry (8). During the awards ceremony, learners were recognised for excellence in research and innovation, with 13 Gold medals, 25 Silver medals and 47 Bronze medals awarded.
Eskom honoured outstanding young scientists with Special Awards, including:
- Best Female Award: Zewah Engelbrecht and Ovayo Somhlahlo (Grade 7, Jurie Hayes Primary School)
- Best Development Award: Duran Farmer (Grade 9, Vredendal High School)
- Best Energy Award: Dawie Bierman (Grade 9, Swartland High School)
- Best Innovation Award: Tiaan Lamminga (Grade 10, Curro Langebaan)
Other notable winners in various categories include:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Zewah Engelbrecht and Ovayo Somhlahlo (Grade 7, Jurie Hayes Primary School)
- Earth Sciences: Riaz Africa (Grade 7, Saldanha Primary School)
- Engineering: Duran Farmer (Grade 9, Vredendal High School)
- Energy: Dawid Bierman (Grade 9, Swartland High School)
- Environmental Studies: Fiaando Williams and Gideon Ryk (Grade 7, St Andrews Primary School)
- Automation: John-Roux Jantjies (Grade 9, Diazville High School)
- Plant Sciences: Wilrick Domingo and Aydon Linee (Grade 8, Porterville Primary School)
- Top Achievers: Jaun Duvenhage and Rueben Boonzaaier (Grade 9, Swartland High School)
Umoya Energy recognised exceptional projects with special awards, including:
- Top Individual Project: Riaz Africa (Grade 7, Saldanha Primary School)
- Top Group Project: Zewah Engelbrecht and Ovayo Somhlahlo
- Top Agriculture: Gert Valentyn and Christan Ontong (Grade 8, Porterville Primary School)
- Top Animal Sciences: Andries Von Solms (Grade 8, Vredendal High School)
- Top Biomedical Science: Maritza Harmse (Grade 11, Hopefield High School)
- Top Innovation project: Mishe Maartins and Raziah Steenkamp (Grade 6, Liebenberg Primary School)
- Top Physical Sciences: Rhaneyah Manuel (Grade 6, Saldanha Primary School)
- Top Social Sciences: Jaun Duvenhage and Rueben Boonzaaier (Grade 9, Swartland High School)
Eskom Expo's West Coast Provincial Coordinator, Ursula Boys, extended her heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, partners, educators, volunteers, judges and learners for their vital contributions to the event's success. "To the teachers, parents, volunteers and judges, your dedication, expertise and enthusiasm have been instrumental in guiding and supporting our learners. To the learners themselves, I offer my warmest congratulations on their outstanding achievements and innovative projects."
