The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology, proudly hosted the Annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Northern Gauteng regional finals, reaffirming the University’s commitment to fostering innovation and scientific excellence among South Africa’s future leaders. The event brought together learners and TVET college students from across Gauteng to present more than 200 innovative projects, addressing real-world challenges across diverse disciplines, including biology, physics, chemistry, environmental science, agriculture, artificial intelligence, humanities and social sciences.
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is the country’s largest and most prestigious national science fair initiative. It provides a platform for learners to showcase their original research while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and scientific communication skills. The Expo offers participants the opportunity to advance from regional to national and international science fairs, where they gain recognition and exposure on a global stage. Through this platform, young scientists are encouraged to apply creativity and innovation to find solutions to pressing societal issues, reinforcing the significance of science and technology in shaping the future.
In her welcome address, Prof Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, expressed the Faculty’s pride in being selected as the regional host for the Expo. “Welcome to TUT and the Annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists! Today, we are celebrating 45 years of the Eskom Expo – a testimony to its impact and relevance. It is an honour and privilege for the Faculty to serve as the regional host of this inspiring initiative. As you walk through the Expo, you will witness projects that showcase the creativity, innovation and deep understanding of scientific concepts by our learners,” she said.
She also encouraged participants to embrace curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration in their pursuit of knowledge. “Science is not only about memorising facts or formulas – it is about asking questions, finding solutions and communicating complex ideas clearly. My PhD supervisor used to say: if you can’t explain your research to your grandmother in her native language, then you do not understand it. As you explore these projects, imagine the possibilities: What if? Why not? How can we?”
The Faculty of Science contributed significantly to the success of the event by providing expert judges across various project categories and exhibiting some of its latest academic programmes and research initiatives. These exhibitions offered learners and educators valuable insights into scientific careers and study opportunities at TUT, reinforcing the Faculty’s commitment to advancing education and research excellence.
Highlighting the purpose and long-standing impact of the Expo, Raven Motsewabangwe, Gauteng Provincial Coordinator for the Eskom Expo, said: “Since 1980, we have been passionate about achieving better results for our learners. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is an exhibition where students showcase their own scientific investigations. Our vision is to inspire young scientists and researchers, while our mission is to help them identify problems, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively.”
The Expo brings together learners, educators, professional organisations, and government institutions, providing a robust support network for developing the next generation of scientists.
This year’s event marked the 45th anniversary of the Eskom Expo, a milestone that underscores its enduring significance in promoting scientific literacy, research, and innovation. By hosting this esteemed event, the Faculty of Science at TUT continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and contributing to the advancement of science in South Africa and beyond.
TUT's Faculty of Science hosted the 45th annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists recently.