The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) hosted the thrilling 2025 Aqualibrium Competition National Finals this past week, which brought together high school students from schools all over South Africa at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg. The event continues to be an important platform for fostering engineering talent, inspiring young minds, and raising awareness about one of the most pressing issues facing our country: equitable water distribution. 

Each year, the Aqualibrium competition puts high school students in the shoes of actual civil engineers, putting their creativity and problem-solving abilities to the test by solving a challenging real-world problem. In addition to technical skill, the event demonstrated the strength of teamwork, ingenuity, and critical thinking under pressure. The challenge? In just two hours, design and build a working water distribution network using the materials provided (pipes of two diameter, connectors, and fittings), then evenly distribute exactly three litres of water into three containers. To finish their systems with the fewest number of penalty points, the students had to think like engineers, use mathematics to guide their decisions, and work well together as a team. Participating Schools included: 

• Bishops Diocesan College from Cape Town
• Moemedi Secondary School from Bloemfontein
• Durban Girls’ High School from Durban 
• Curro Westbrook from Gqeberha 
• Domino Servite School from Pietermaritzburg
• SW Mbanga JSS from Butterworth
• Curro Secunda from Secunda
• Lamawandla High School from Eswatini
• Mkhuzweni High School from Eswatini
• Kimberley Boys High from Kimberley
• Buchule Technical High School from Mdantsane
• Blue Eagle Secondary from Johannesburg
• Mohaladitoe Secondary School from the Vaal Triangle
• Hoërskool Menlopark from Pretoria

"It is incredibly motivating to see these students approach challenging engineering problems with such enthusiasm,” said Memory Scheepers, SAICE's Project Manager: Special Projects. “Aqualibrium is not just a competition, it is a starting point. It sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and gives learners a glimpse into the incredible world of civil engineering. For me, it is about planting seeds that will grow into the engineers, innovators, and leaders our country desperately needs.” The competition not only tested the learners' grasp of mathematics and science but also challenged their soft skills: communication, time management, teamwork, and resilience under pressure.

Blue Eagle Secondary were the 2025 champions with the lowest penalty points, followed by Domino Servite School in second place and Lamawandla High School in third. The teachers were commended for their guidance, support and commitment to fostering STEM excellence, and the winning students were given cash prizes and gifts. Beyond the prizes, the competition gave the students inspiration to think about pursuing careers in civil engineering, and that is what we push for at SAICE. With South Africa’s infrastructure facing mounting challenges, developing home-grown talent has become essential.

In a message of encouragement to all participants, SAICE CEO Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane said:

“You are all winners. You dared to think critically, and you took on a real-world challenge with courage. Keep building on that – keep asking questions and keep finding solutions. Our country needs you.”

This year’s competition was proudly supported by Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, EW SETA, MPAMOT, and Magalies Water, whose dedication to youth development, innovation, and sustainability made the event possible. Their involvement reflects a growing commitment among public and private sector partners to invest in future talent and address South Africa’s long-term infrastructure needs. 

Over the years, the Aqualibrium competition has proven to be an effective means for encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. It stands as an example of how we can nurture the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers, laying the foundation for a more skilled, sustainable, and equitable future for all South Africans.

To continue expanding the reach and impact of Aqualibrium and similar STEM initiatives, SAICE calls on government departments, industry leaders, and community members to offer their support through sponsorship, mentorship, and active participation. Every contribution, whether in the form of funding, guidance, or encouragement is essential to maximising the potential of the youth in our country. By working together, we can cultivate a generation of young South Africans who are capable of having big dreams, thinking critically, and creating practical answers to tomorrow's problems.