KZN pupils excel at Eskom Expo International Science Fair, receiving bursaries for higher education
Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, Grade 12 learners at King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma, were awarded full bursaries for their project, “Double Trouble Double Solution: Neutralising Acid & Plastics with Nature’s Help.” Simesihle Khuzwayo was also awarded the Babcock International bursary.
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High flying young scientists from KwaZulu-Natal were awarded bursaries at this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair.
The fair, which was held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park and ended on Friday, saw pupils present innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
The participants included young people from across South Africa and various countries around the world, including Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, India and Russia.
Eskom awarded six full bursaries worth R5 million during the Special Awards ceremony, contingent on meeting the required criteria upon receiving their matric results, to support these bright minds.
These bursaries cover full tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks and a living allowance for studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at accredited South African universities.
Sohil Bharat, a Grade 12 learner at Newcastle High School, was awarded a full bursary for the project “Vulcan Shield” . He was also a recipient of the Babcock International bursary.
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Through this investment, Eskom reaffirms its commitment to empowering future leaders and building a sustainable, knowledge-driven nation.
KZN pupils were awarded including Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, Grade 12 learners at King Bhekuzulu High School, who received full bursaries.
Their project, “Double Trouble Double Solution: Neutralising Acid & Plastics with Nature’s Help.”
The twins investigated whether autolysed biomass extracts (ABE), derived from banana peel and yeast, could serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional liming agents for both pH neutralisation and microplastic removal in acidic wastewater.
Their findings suggest that, with further refinement, ABEs could become low-cost solutions for rural communities lacking access to conventional wastewater treatment methods.
Lethukuthula Khumalo from Nkodibe High School in Mtubatuba was awarded a full higher education bursary from Siemens Energy.
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Sohil Bharat, a Grade 12 learner at Newcastle High School, was also awarded a full bursary for the project “Vulcan Shield” a simple, inexpensive, and reliable prototype that provides additional safety in underground mines.
The prototype was able to detect a fire within one minute, align itself and extinguish the fire in approximately 21 seconds. Bharat’s innovation, an intelligent mine fire suppression system was developed through meticulous planning, design, testing and refinement.
The Special Awards evening saw engineering and technology giants Babcock International and Siemens Energy award six full bursaries worth a combined R6.2 million (including tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances, and a laptop) for winners to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university of their choice.
The Babcock International bursary recipients from KZN included: Sohil Bharat from Newcastle High School and Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu High School.
Siemens Energy awarded two full higher education bursaries to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university of choice. These include tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances, and a laptop, to the total approximate value of R1.5 million. The winners were both from KZN - Lethukuthula Khumalo from Nkodibe High School and Azola Sihlahla from Dulati Combined School.
Azola Sihlahla from Dulati Combined School in Umzimkulu was awarded a full higher education bursary by Siemens Energy.
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Eskom development foundation acting CEO, Mologadi Motshele, said: “Eskom Expo remains unmatched in its national reach and impact. It is the only initiative of its kind that brings together thousands of learners from across every province, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. With Eskom’s sustained CSI support, the Expo has impacted the lives of more than 17,000 young people this year alone.
“What makes this especially significant is Eskom’s long-term commitment to strengthening South Africa’s development route for future scientists, engineers, and innovators. By consistently investing in the Expo as a trusted national platform, Eskom is not only creating opportunities for learners to showcase their talents, but also driving the broader national agenda of skills development, innovation, and economic growth through STEMI.”
Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty, said: “We warmly congratulate the exceptional winners of the ISF Special Awards Ceremony. Their achievements reflect the brilliance, dedication, and promise of our nation’s future. These awards honour not only scientific excellence, but the spirit of collaboration that drives innovation. We extend our deepest thanks to our partners, whose unwavering support and shared vision have made this celebration possible.”