A dozen budding South African scientists are jetting off to Los Angeles for the prestigious annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.  The 12 youngsters came tops in last year's Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair, which is open to primary and high school learners.

ISEF, which runs from 12 to 16 May this year, is the world's largest pre-college science fair competition.  More than 7 million high school students from over 60 countries and regions compete in local and national science fairs with the hope of reaching Intel ISEF.

Only 1 500 of these hopefuls are selected as finalists and given the opportunity to attend ISEF, where they are able to share their ideas, showcase their projects and compete for over US$4 million in awards and scholarships.

The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Advocate Michael Masutha, will address the 12 South African participants in Johannesburg tomorrow, 9 May, before they depart for the international science fair.

Endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology, the Eskom Expo is an ideal platform for primary and high school learners to share their bright ideas with peers and judges.  The learners are assessed according to international standards.  Last year there were over 50 000 participants.

For 34 years, the Eskom Expo has been at the forefront of unearthing the most innovative young science minds from across the country.  Prize winners receive laptops, mobile science kits and university bursaries.

Deputy Minister Masutha congratulated Eskom Expo on the initiative, saying that the Department of Science and Technology also wanted to see young people exposed to science and technology.

"For South Africa to be able to grow its science system and keep it competitive globally the system needs a steady supply of learners who perform well in mathematics and science," said Advocate Masutha.

The Expo's Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was successful in inspiring learners to discover their passion to explore the world.

"This proves that if we give our young scientists an opportunity they can excel," said Mr Chetty.