The Durban University of Technology (DUT), through its Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Unit and the Community Engagement Office, proudly participated in the 45th Annual Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) 2025, held at the Emperor’s Palace Convention Centre from 6 October 2025 to 10 October 2025.
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is a science fair that provides a platform for learners to present their scientific investigations and innovative projects. Each year, top participants from 35 regions across South Africa advance to the prestigious International Science Fair, where they compete against the country’s brightest young scientists as well as international participants. This year’s ISF brought together 319 learners, selected from more than 17,000 participants who initially took part in regional, provincial, and district-level science fairs throughout the year.
DUT was among the proud sponsors of the event, presenting special awards and prizes to outstanding participants. The prizes included laptops, tablets, and the incubation of selected projects through a Technology Development Fund valued at R15,000 per project, awarded to nine deserving learners.
Among the standout winners was Grade 11 learner Zanele Witbooi from R.T. Mokgopa Secondary School in the Free State. Witbooi impressed the judges with her innovative project titled Glow-in-the-Dark Highway Paint, which aims to reduce road accidents by using a special pigment that absorbs sunlight during the day and reflects it at night, thereby improving road visibility and safety. Her passion for finding practical solutions to everyday challenges earned her recognition as one of South Africa’s promising young innovators.
“I wanted to help South Africa reduce the number of road accidents, so I came up with this idea. The paint absorbs light and then glows at night. It felt amazing to see my idea win. I was so excited; I can’t even explain it, but I’m truly grateful,” said Witbooi, who walked away with a tablet and a R15,000 Technology Development Fund from DUT.
Another exceptional winner was Itumeleng Chiloane, a learner from Unity Secondary School in the North West Province, who received the Grand Prize from DUT, a laptop for her outstanding project titled: Investigating the Efficiency of the Use of AI Imagery Technique for Eye Diagnosis. Her project explores the use of artificial intelligence to detect diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition that often develops without noticeable symptoms. Itumeleng designed a website that allows users to upload retinal images for rapid analysis, providing diagnostic results in under 30 seconds and recommending medical consultation if signs of the disease are detected. Her innovation aims to improve early detection and accessibility to eye care, especially in communities with limited healthcare resources.
“I was inspired to develop this project because I was once diagnosed with an eye disorder similar to diabetic retinopathy. That experience motivated me to raise awareness about eye health and help others through technology,” said Chiloane. “I am truly honoured to have received this award from the Durban University of Technology, it inspires me to continue using science and innovation to make a positive impact.”
Dr Farai Dziike from DUT’s Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Unit has been actively involved in supporting the Eskom Expo for the past two years. He began his involvement as a mentor and his mentorship helped learners develop innovative projects that went on to compete at regional and provincial levels.
This year, Dr Dziike served on the judging panel alongside Dr Thobela Biyela, where they were both inspired by the creativity, ingenuity, and determination displayed by young learners tackling real-life community challenges through science and technology.
“The level of innovation from these young learners is truly inspiring. They are proving that even from communities often overlooked, bright minds are rising and ready to shape a future driven by home-grown solutions and technological excellence,” said Dr Dziike.
Adding to these sentiments, Phumzile Xulu, DUT’s Engagement Practitioner, reflected on the university’s broader role in fostering innovation and community impact. “I am truly inspired by the commitment our university continues to show in supporting young learners as they transform their creative ideas into tangible innovations. This initiative not only ignite curiosity in science and technology but also strengthen the bridge between academia and communities. Through the combined efforts of the Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Unit and the Community Engagement Office, DUT is helping to cultivate a generation of socially conscious innovators who are equipped to address real-world challenges through science, creativity, and purpose,” she said.
The participation of DUT in the Eskom Expo reflects the university’s continued commitment to supporting young scientists, promoting innovation, and driving community engagement through science, technology, and education.
Pictured: DUT Team with the recipients of the special awards.
Phumeza Msongelwa
