This event serves as a crucial platform for young scientists to showcase their research and participate in a qualifying round for the Eskom Expo Regional Science Fairs. 

The District Expos are set to take place across South Africa, and learners in the North West Province are encouraged to sign up now through the Eskom Expo website to secure their place. According to Eskom Expo’s communication manager, JeVanne Gibbs, these District Expos play a vital role in the selection process for the upcoming Regional Science Fairs. 

Eskom Expo for youth scientists. Photo supplied

Gibbs said that participation in the District Expos is a mandatory qualifying step for learners hoping to compete in the Eskom Expo Regional Science Fairs later this year.

The North West science expos are expected to begin in May, with a series of dates scheduled throughout the month for different districts. Learners should have already started or be close to completing their research projects by the time of the District Expos. 

Those in the final stages of their projects are also encouraged to attend and receive valuable guidance to refine their work, said Gibbs.

Eskom Expo for youth scientists. Photo supplied

He further explained that District Expos are an excellent opportunity for learners to get feedback on their research. Expert judges, including Eskom Expo coordinators, regional science fair directors, teachers, and mentors, will be available to assess projects and provide constructive advice.

These judges will identify potential errors in research methodology, experimental design, or data analysis, as well as gaps in knowledge that could be improved. 

Such feedback is crucial for learners as it helps them enhance their projects and ensures that their research is of the highest possible quality before progressing to the next round of the competition.

Dates and venues for the North West District Expos

Ngaka Modiri Molema District

• Ramotshere Moiloa (Zeerust): 7 May 2025 at Thuto Legacy Private School
• Ratlou (Setlagole): 14 May 2025 at Ikopanyeng Secondary School
• Ratlou (Disaneng): 15 May 2025 at Mogakolodi Masibi Secondary
• Mafikeng (Primaries): 16 May 2025 at Mafikeng High School
• Mafikeng (Secondaries): 16 May 2025 at Mafikeng Primary School
• Mafikeng (Ditsobotla): 22 May 2025 at Laerskool Lichtenburg
• Mafikeng (Tswaing): 28 May 2025 at Tirisano Secondary School

Bojanala District

• Moses Kotane East (Mogwase): 23 April 2025 at JM Ntsime High School
• Moses Kotane West (Mabeskraal): 24 April 2025 at Mabeskraal Primary School
• Madibeng (Makapanstad): 6 May 2025 at Mmankala Technical High School
• Rustenburg CBD: 13 May 2025 at Waterkloof Hills Secondary School
• Madibeng (Brits): 19 May 2025 at Laerskool Brits
• Rustenburg (Koster): 20 May 2025 at Koster Gekombineerde Skool
• Rustenburg (Kanana): 27 May 2025 at Matsukubyane Secondary School

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

• Maquassi Hills (Wolmaranstad): 23 May 2025 at Maquassi Hill Area Office Training Hall
• JB Marks (Potchefstroom): 24 May 2025 at NWU
• JB Marks (Ventersdorp): 29 May 2025 at Kgololosego Primary School
• Matlosana: 30 May 2025 at Klerksdorp Primary School

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District

• Kagisano Molopo (Morokweng): 8 May 2025 at Keipatile Primary School
• Kagisano Molopo (Ganyesa) Primaries: 9 May 2025 at Ganyesa Community Hall
• Kagisano Molopo (Ganyesa) Secondaries: 9 May 2025 at Ganyesa Primary School (KM Foundation)
• Greater Taung: 21 May 2025 at Mokgareng Secondary School
• Sacred Heart Primary (School Expo): 21 May 2025 at Sacred Heart Primary School
• Naledi (Vryburg): 22 May 2025 at Vryburg Primary School
• Huhudi High School (School Expo): 8 May 2025 at Huhudi High School
• Thibogang Primary (School Expo): 8 May 2025 at Thibogang Primary School

Eskom Expo for youth scientists. Photo supplied

Gibbs said to participate in a District Expo, learners, teachers, or parents must visit the Eskom Expo website to register and secure their place in the upcoming events.

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, shared that the pre-selection process at the District Expos will help identify the best projects to move forward to the Regional Science Fairs. Chetty said each district will be allocated a fixed number of projects that will qualify for the 38 Regional Science Fairs across the country. 

Winners from these regional events will be selected to represent their regions at the prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair, which will take place at Emperors Palace from 6 to 10 October 2025.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh