Solarflair visiting Penreach STEAM Festival
<br>What an incredible start to the STEAM Festival! 
Day 1 was a tremendous success, bringing together thousands of young minds to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
The energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm from every learner and educator made the day truly unforgettable. Thank you to all the schools, teachers, learners, partners, and everyone who helped make this possible.
Nearly 3,000 learners. 39 schools. One STEAM Centre bursting at the seams with excitement!
The buses kept rolling in, the chatter got louder, and before long the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre was buzzing with curious young minds, all ready to discover what this year’s STEAM Festival had in store.
In celebration of National Science Month (#NSM), learners didn’t just learn about science, technology and innovation… they experienced it.
From hands-on activities and interactive exhibits to the exciting ADT emergency response demonstration, every turn brought another “wow!” moment. The only challenge? Convincing learners to move on to the next activity because there was always one more thing to see, try or discover.
This year’s theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone,” came to life as learners explored a world where curiosity was encouraged and every question mattered.
It’s all made possible through the incredible partnership between Penreach and the Mpumalanga Department of Education, united by one goal: creating opportunities that inspire, empower and open doors for young people across the province.
The opening programme featured messages of support from Penreach Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Susanna Behrendt; Deputy Chief Education Specialist, Mr SD Maseko; Department of Science, Technology and Innovation representative, Dr Lihvuwani Masevhe; Ehlanzeni District Director, Dr Ndlovu; and Chief Education Specialist, Mr MS Mnguni, who reaffirmed their commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through science, technology and innovation.
For Minenhle Ngobeni from Steinborg High School, the day said it all: “I was so excited to be part of the STEAM Festival. I got to experience science with my own eyes instead of only learning the theory at school.”
And this was only #Day1! Bring on the rest of the week!
#STEAMFestival2026 #NationalScienceMonth #ScienceTechnologyAndInnovationForEveryone #Penreach
- Source: Penreach Facebook
STEAM Festival 2026 | Day 2
The excitement keeps building at the Penreach STEAM Festival, and Day 2 certainly didn’t disappoint!
Every corner had something new to discover as our learners rolled up their sleeves, got involved and made the most of every moment. 
There’s still time to join the excitement! Visit the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre from 3 to 7 August as we celebrate National Science Month in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education.
Whether you’re curious about science, technology, engineering, arts or maths, there’s something for everyone. Come and experience it for yourself!
The excitement is also reaching beyond our Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre! 
The festival has attracted media attention, with today’s highlights set to be featured on SABC 1 and Ligwalagwala FM, sharing the incredible energy and impact of this week’s festival with even more South Africans.
SABC News 1: 17:30
Ligwalagwala FM: 18:00Be sure to tune in if you can—we’d love for you to see it! The journey continues.
#STEAMFestival2026 #NationalScienceMonth #Penreach #MpumalangaDepartmentOfEducation #FutureInnovators
- Source: Penreach Facebook
Day 2 of the STEAM Festival continues the excitement! 
Another incredible day of discovery, creativity, and innovation as learners immersed themselves in hands-on STEAM experiences. From interactive exhibits to engaging demonstrations, today was filled with moments that inspired curiosity and encouraged young minds to explore the endless possibilities within Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Here's to another successful day of inspiring the next generation! 
- Source: SolarFlair Facebook
STEAM Festival 2026 | Day 3
So… who’s been wondering what Day 3 had in store? 
Well, we can promise you it didn’t disappoint!
3 days in, and the energy is still going strong! We’ve already welcomed nearly 8,500 learners to the Penreach STEAM Festival, where curiosity is turning into discovery through hands-on STEAM experiences.
The best part? There’s still time to be part of it.
Join us at the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre from 3 to 7 August as we celebrate National Science Month in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education.
Bring the family, explore our interactive exhibits and discover why thousands of learners from across Mpumalanga are joining the excitement.
#STEAMFestival2026 #NationalScienceMonth #Penreach #MpumalangaDepartmentOfEducation #FutureInnovators
- Source: Penreach Facebook
The momentum continues at the Penreach STEAM Festival, and Day 3 was another inspiring celebration of curiosity, creativity, and discovery
Learners embraced every opportunity to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through exciting hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and engaging challenges. It’s incredible to see so many young minds asking questions, thinking critically, and discovering new possibilities for the future.
There’s still time to be part of the action! Join us at the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre from 3–7 August as we celebrate National Science Month in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education. Exhibiting alongside Solarflair is Carpe Diem, who will also be taking part in the year’s Sasol Solar Challenge.
Come and experience the excitement, innovation, and inspiration that STEAM has to offer!
Big thank you to CAM Projects, Pronto Computer services, PWS Installations, Victron, HydroWatts and KB CNC. Thank you for chasing this dream with us!
- Source: SolarFlair Facebook
STEAM Festival 2026 | Day 4
One question can open a door to a whole new future.
Where does that happen? At the Penreach STEAM Festival, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, in celebration of National Science Month (#NSM).
Anogona Mashundu, a Grade 10 learner from Acek Academy, had the opportunity to sit down with Mr M. Gumede from South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) and ask the questions he had always wanted answered. What does an actuary do? How do you become one? And where does mathematics fit into everyday life?
For Anogona, it was more than just a conversation. It was a chance to hear directly from someone who has built a career in a field that once existed only in textbooks. Moments like these help young people connect what they learn today with the possibilities that lie ahead.
That is why the Penreach STEAM Festival matters. It brings learners face to face with people who are building, designing, solving problems and shaping industries. It gives them the chance to ask questions, explore different career paths and discover opportunities they may never have considered before.
Thank you to Mr M. Gumede and SAADP for sharing your knowledge, your experience and your time. You didn't just speak about a career. You showed a young person what is possible.
Tomorrow is the final day of the Penreach STEAM Festival. There are still more professionals to meet, more careers to explore and more opportunities waiting to be discovered. We would love to see you there.
#STEAMFestival #Penreach #YouthInSTEAM #EducationMatters #FutureReady #CareersInSTEAM
- Source: Penreach Facebook
We’re already on Day 4 of the STEAM Festival 2026, and the response has been nothing short of incredible! The excitement keeps growing!
With outstanding attendance throughout the week, we've welcomed thousands of learners and educators who have embraced every opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover. The curiosity in every room, the questions being asked, and the enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics have been truly inspiring.
There's still time to be part of the action!
Join us at the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre
3–7 August 2026
In celebration of National Science Month, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education
Come and experience interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and exciting demonstrations designed to ignite a lifelong passion for STEAM.
We look forward to welcoming you for another unforgettable day of innovation, creativity, and discovery!
#Solarflair #steamfestival #NationalScienceMonth #Penreach #ShalamukaSTEAMCentre #STEAM #STEMEducation #innovations #FutureInnovatorss #science #technology #engineering #ArtificialIntelligence #mathematics Sasol Solar Challenge
- Source: SolarFlair Facebook
STEAM Festival 2026 | Day 5
What. A. Week.
The Penreach STEAM Festival 2026 has officially come to an end, and what an incredible celebration of National Science Month (#NSM) it has been!
Nearly 15,000 learners and teachers stepped onto the Penreach campus this week to explore, discover and experience the exciting world of STEAM.
Siyabonga kakhulu to our amazing partner, the Mpumalanga Department of Education, , and to every learner, teacher, exhibitor, volunteer and staff member who made this festival possible. Together, we’ve created memories and inspired the next generation of innovators.
If you weren’t there… you definitely missed out! 
But don’t worry, we’ll be sharing all the highlights with you soon, so keep an eye on our page. 
#STEAMFest2026 #NationalScienceMonth #Penreach #MpumalangaDOE
- Source: Penreach Facebook
What an incredible week at the STEAM Festival 2026! 
As the festival comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Penreach for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring initiative during National Science Month.
It was a privilege for the Solarflair team to engage with thousands of enthusiastic learners and dedicated educators throughout the week. Seeing so much curiosity, excitement, and a genuine passion for discovery reminded us why initiatives like the STEAM Festival are so important.
The impact of this year’s festival speaks for itself:
Overall Festival Impact
180 Schools reached
13,287 Learners engaged
767 Teachers participated
14,054 Total Beneficiaries
Thank you for creating a platform that inspires the next generation to dream bigger, think differently, and explore the endless possibilities of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
We are grateful to have been part of this journey and look forward to collaborating again in the future!
Mpumalanga Department of Education, Sasol Solar Challenge #Solarflair #STEAMFestival2026 #Penreach #NationalScienceMonth #STEAM #STEMEducation #Innovation #FutureInnovators #Education #ThankYou
- Source: SolarFlair Facebook
Event Statistics:
Day 1 Statistics:
39 Schools attended
2 995 Learners participated
179 Teachers attended
3 174 Total Beneficiaries
Day 2 Statistics:
21 Schools attended
1 804 Learners participated
111 Teachers attended
1 915 Total Beneficiaries
Day 3 Statistics:
15 Schools attended
3 057 Learners participated
157 Teachers attended
3 214 Total Beneficiaries
Day 4 Statistics:
47 Schools attended
3 834 Learners participated
215 Teachers attended
4 049 Total Beneficiaries
Day 5 Statistics:
27 Schools attended
1 597 Learners participated
103 Teachers attended
1 700 Total Beneficiaries
Event Statistics:
180 Schools attended
13 287 Learners participated
767 Teachers attended
14 054 Total Beneficiaries
Learning isn’t just for the learners! 
One of the teachers joined the excitement by taking a ride in our solar-powered vehicle, proving that curiosity has no age limit. Experiencing innovation firsthand is what STEAM and the schools' EV Challenge is all about!
