Four of South Africa’s brightest young scientists are heading to the global stage after standout performances at last year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists earned them a place at an international STEM symposium in India later this month.
The learners, selected from the October 2025 Expo, will compete at the symposium from 27 to 31 January 2026, where they will present innovative research addressing water pollution, environmental degradation and accessibility for people with disabilities.
They will be accompanied by delegation leader Dr Krishnie Naidoo from the Eskom Expo Academic team.
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair serves as a platform for learners to pursue advanced scientific research and innovation, with top performers qualifying for international exposure.
Among the selected learners are Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal.
Their project, “Double Trouble, Double Solution: Neutralising acids and plastics with nature’s help”, found that banana peel and yeast extracts can reduce water acidity and remove visible microplastics as effectively, and in some cases better than, traditional chemical treatments. The research points to a low-cost, nature-based solution for improving water quality in resource-constrained communities.
KwaZulu-Natal will also be represented by Jivesh Ramnath from Hoërskool Richardsbaai in Richards Bay. His project, “JØ7 Vireo: Development of a low-cost AI-powered navigation device for the blind and visually impaired,” focuses on real-time object identification and distance awareness to help visually impaired users better perceive their surroundings. The innovation highlights the potential of affordable, scalable AI-driven mobility devices.
From Gauteng, Nkanteko Moyane of Daleview Secondary School will present “ECOHARVEST: Integrated Phytoremediation for contaminated soil and mining wastewater.” The study showed that hyperaccumulator plants removed significantly more heavy metals than ordinary plants, with results further improved through the addition of cow dung. Heavy metal levels were reduced by up to 63.5%, demonstrating the potential for natural restoration of mining-affected land and safer food production.
The Eskom Development Foundation said the learners’ participation reflects the country’s growing strength in youth-led science and innovation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting),Mologadi Motshele, said, “Eskom is proud to support the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Investing in young scientists strengthens South Africa’s future, developing leaders who will drive technological advancement, sustainability, and social impact on both a national and global scale. We wish our learners all the best as they take South Africa’s scientific talent to the world stage.”
Saturday Star