The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted its biggest GeeXpo yet, welcoming more than 300 learners, teachers, students, exhibitors and guests to Tsebonokeng Hall.
Now in its second decade, GeeXpo is the annual STEM exhibition and competition for high school learners in Grades 8 to 12. Hosted by the School of Computer Science and Information Systems in collaboration with the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, it brings learners, teachers, students, academics, exhibitors and industry partners together in one place.
The 2026 edition was organised by the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, with the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences coordinating the Mathematics Olympiad.
At its heart, GeeXpo aims to provide learners with an opportunity to showcase their talents, compete against their peers and engage with technology through hands-on experiences. It also introduces them to potential study and career opportunities in computing, information technology and mathematics. Participation is free for schools, with lunch and refreshments provided. The competitions this year also offered prizes worth more than R60 000.
Learners from schools across the region attended, including Hoërskool Jeugland, Hoërskool Overvaal, Dr Molefi Oliphant Secondary School of Specialisation, Sanelich Academy, Curro Soshanguve, Hoërskool Dr. Malan, Hoërskool Drie Riviere, Potchefstroom Gimnasium and Hoërskool Noordheuwel, among others.
The programme offered a diverse mix of academic, practical and industry-focused activities. First-year BSc IT students presented their robotics projects, while BScHons students presented their research posters, giving learners a glimpse into university-level studies and research.
Exhibitors such as Casio, Pi Shop and Mobile Comp Tech demonstrated emerging technologies, while FirstSA and Trophy Robotics presented a national robotics scrimmage that brought teams from across the country to Vanderbijlpark.
Robotics proved to be one of the major attractions, drawing considerable interest from participants and visitors. The IT PAT Competition remained at the heart of GeeXpo, with Grade 10 to 12 learners demonstrating their school PAT projects to academics and industry representatives. At specially equipped demonstration booths featuring large screens, learners had the opportunity to explain their projects, demonstrate their technical abilities and receive valuable feedback from professionals beyond the school environment.
The interactive activities were equally popular. Virtual reality experiences, game stations and 3D printing demonstrations kept participants engaged throughout the day. The Maths Fun Hour added another dimension to the programme, offering puzzles, board games and quests alongside the Olympiad. A special highlight was the appearance of Eagi, the NWU mascot.
Together, these activities created an atmosphere of curiosity, creativity and discovery, demonstrating that mathematics, coding and robotics can be both educational and exciting.
Beyond the competitions and demonstrations, GeeXpo provided learners with valuable opportunities to develop a range of skills. The Olympiad and Maths Fun Hour developed problem-solving, logical reasoning and statistical thinking that underpins data science. Learners also built professional skills by presenting and defending projects before judges and industry, working in teams and handling competition, while direct contact with students, lecturers and industry partners provided clear career insight.
GeeXpo connects innovation, community engagement and student development. Learners meet technology and mathematics in a university setting, helping build a pipeline of young people ready to study and work in these fields, while the NWU students develop by making public presentations and gaining leadership experience.
A growing flagship event
The deputy director of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Dr William van Blerk, who has been part of the GeeXpo journey for the past three years, has witnessed its growth from a school event into a flagship event for the campus. “GeeXpo has become much more than a traditional school marketing event. It is a dynamic showcase of how computer science programmes and industry can collaborate to bring technology to life,” he says.
“By connecting our academic offerings with industry exhibitors who demonstrate real-world applications, we create an engaging experience that illustrates both the exciting possibilities of Computer Science and its relevance to the needs of industry.”
“What makes me particularly proud is the balance the team has achieved between showcasing our academic programmes and demonstrating how these programmes address real-world challenges. For high school learners, GeeXpo offers an opportunity to explore the different study pathways available at the NWU, experience the fun and creativity of Computer Science, and begin to see themselves as future NWU students and professionals in the technology sector,” he adds.
Reflecting on the 2026 edition, Dr William describes GeeXpo as “a commitment from our staff and students to inspire the wider community.”
Looking ahead to 2027
The organisers expressed their appreciation to the exhibitors and teachers whose continued support has helped make GeeXpo a success year after year.
Building on the success of what has been its biggest edition to date, the team is already looking ahead to GeeXpo 2027. Plans include attracting even more learners and expanding the programme with additional competition categories, workshops and activities.
Lead organiser Luke Coetzee says the ultimate measure of the success of the event is the inspiration it leaves behind. “We wanted learners to leave thinking, ‘I could do this’. If even a handful now see a future in computing and mathematics, GeeXpo has done its job. That is thanks to our planning, our partners and, above all, our people, and we will be back in 2027,” he says.
Luke further acknowledged Prof. Francois van der Westhuizen, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, for the support from the faculty and funding of prizes, and Dr Van Blerk, without whose leadership and support the event would not have been possible. He also acknowledged co-organisers Bongisa Dyosoba and Michael de Jager, Prof. David Kubayi, the director of the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Tlotlo Phawe, who coordinated the Mathematics Olympiad, and all supporting departments on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.
With its combination of innovation, practical learning, academic engagement and industry collaboration, GeeXpo 2026 has once again demonstrated the value of creating opportunities for people to explore their potential. As preparations for the 2027 edition get underway, the message remains clear: the innovators of tomorrow may already be sitting in the classrooms of today.
Photos: The NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted its biggest GeeXpo yet.
