The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Unit in collaboration with the Community Engagement Office, recently hosted the Eskom Expo Young Innovators Incubation Programme from 26–29 March 2026. The innovators are beneficiaries of the DUT TTI Special Awards for Eskom Expo Young Innovators 2025.
The 12-month programme is designed for the 10 recipients of the DUT Special Awards presented at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. It aims to provide structured mentorship, skills development, and resources to support learners in advancing their innovations beyond the competition stage and into real-world application.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) at DUT, expressed her excitement about engaging with young innovators and encouraging creative thinking beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
She emphasised the importance of creating space for innovation and independent thought, noting that true breakthroughs often come when learners are encouraged to think differently.
“We need to create environments where young people are not confined to how things have always been done, but are free to think broadly, innovate, and challenge existing systems,” she said.
Adding to the programme’s significance, Ms Nalini Dookie, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Coordinator for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, described the initiative as a milestone for STEM development in South Africa.
“This initiative is the first of its kind in South Africa. We have a long way to go in STEM and innovation, and programmes like this are essential in helping us catch up with the rest of the world,” she said.
Dr Farai Dziike, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Manager at the Technology Transfer and Innovation Unit, while introducing the programme, highlighted the exceptional performance of the learners at the Eskom Expo 2025, and expressed enthusiasm about supporting their innovation journeys.
“I am truly excited to work with these young innovators because I see great potential in their creativity and passion,” he said.
Through mentorship, workshops, and access to university resources, the programme seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by nurturing young talent and promoting entrepreneurship in science and technology.
Reflecting on her experience, Zanele Witbooi, a Grade 12 learner at R.T. Mokgopa Secondary School in the Free State and DUT Special Award recipient, shared her aspirations for her project.
“I hope that my project can one day be implemented on South African roads. It has the potential to make a real impact in reducing accidents, and I am looking forward to developing it further through this programme,” she said.
Witbooi’s project, titled “Glow in the Dark Highway Paint,” aims to improve road safety by enhancing visibility on roads, particularly in areas affected by high accident rates.
As part of day two of the programme, learners had the opportunity to pitch and showcase their innovations, engage in interactive question-and-answer sessions with mentors and experts, and tour DUT innovation labs. This provided valuable exposure to real-world research and innovation environments, while also offering critical feedback to help refine and strengthen their projects as they progress through the incubation programme.
Pictured: Learners during the innovation lab tours at DUT.
Phumeza Msongelwa
