At just 17 years old, Shaista Aaliyah Shaik from Port Shepstone Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal, has proven that determination and curiosity can take you from humble beginnings to national recognition.
Representing the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Region, Shaik made a lasting impression at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), where her passion for learning, creativity, and perseverance earned her accolades among South Africa’s brightest young scientists.
Held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, the 2025 ISF brought together top young innovators from across South Africa and several other countries, showcasing exceptional projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI). For Shaista, the event was not only a scientific milestone, it was also a celebration of personal growth and resilience.
“I’ve grown up a bit of a nomad because my parents separated early in my life, and we moved around a lot,” Shaik said. “I’ve always dedicated myself to my studies because I wanted to give myself and my humble family a life we could only dream of.”
Despite her challenging journey, Shaik’s passion for learning and expression has always guided her. A gifted writer and reader, she chairs her school’s book club, the Dead Poets Society, and has a flair for performance poetry and drama. “I love reading and writing, it’s how I express myself. I’ve even written my own poems and performed them, which has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Her literary talents have also brought her national acclaim, she competed twice in the De Beers English Olympiad, earning a Gold medal in her first attempt and a diamond award in her second, placing 17th in the country and receiving a scholarship to Rhodes University.
When Shaik entered high school, her first year was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a very muted time, I was used to participating in a lot of things since primary school, and I’ve always wanted to go into a STEMI career. So, when the opportunity to participate in the Eskom Expo came, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to expand my skills in scientific investigation,” she said.
Her journey to the ISF was one of learning, collaboration, and unforgettable moments. “The visit to the WITS Anglo-American Digital Dome was magical, my mouth was hanging open the entire time!” she said. “The disco night was iconic, and watching all nine provinces and our international delegates come together felt peacefully patriotic. I’ve rarely felt so energized, the dance hall was magnetic that night.”
Shaik was a Bronze medal winner and the recipient of the University of Pretoria: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT bursary valued at R300 000.
Winning an award at the ISF was both unexpected and empowering. “Honestly, it was so surprising. I live by my motto: no expectations, no regrets. I actually missed the first half of the announcement because I was enjoying the company of the people around me. Winning made me feel more confident in my abilities. I’m proud of myself for securing a worthwhile future through hard work and determination,” she said.
Shaik’s passion for science began early. “Since I was five, I’ve been fascinated by humanity’s ability to change the world through innovation. I read as much as I could about the geniuses of our world, they became my role models. My educators further honed this passion and encouraged me to keep my curiosity alive. They always said my best quality was asking why until I found out why,” she said.
For younger learners considering the Eskom Expo, Shaik offered heartfelt advice: “Take the chance, take the leap. This is such an amazing opportunity. Go in with the mindset of having fun and enjoying yourself, then you’ll never lose. Accept the wisdom of those around you, because it can only make you better. And most importantly, be proud of yourself for making it this far, no matter what happens,” she said.
Read more:
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Young innovators earn massive prizes at Eskom Expo International Science Fair
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