For Daniël Ferreira, success at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) was about more than receiving an award. It was also about learning, personal growth and discovering how quickly meaningful friendships can form when young scientists are brought together by a shared passion.
Ferreira, from Komatipoort Akademie, represented the Ehlanzeni Region and received a Silver medal and a R45 000 bursary from the University of Pretoria Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The bursary is for young scientists enrolling in the Faculty in 2027.
“It felt truly amazing to win an award at the ISF, and it means so much to me,” Ferreira said.
His Eskom Expo journey began relatively recently. In 2025, his science teacher invited him to participate, introducing him to an experience that would ultimately take him to ISF.
Among his strongest memories from this year’s event were the friendships he formed in only a few days. “My most memorable moments were experiencing the value of friendship that was not built in years of knowing someone, but in the few short days we spent together at ISF,” Ferreira said.
Equally important were the opportunities to develop his knowledge and abilities, both while preparing his research and during the international event itself. “Another memorable moment was every opportunity that I received to learn and grow during the preparation of my project and during ISF itself,” he said.
Ferreira’s approach to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) is closely connected to his faith and his belief in the importance of continually developing one’s abilities.
“My passion for STEMI comes from a realisation that I had a long time ago, namely that God has given us all the ability to achieve success and to understand even the most difficult of concepts, but we need to do our part by growing, learning and aspiring to achieve greatness,” he said.
Outside STEMI, Ferreira enjoys rugby, weightlifting and cardistry, giving him interests that span sport, physical fitness and creative skill.
His own experience has also taught him not to underestimate the effort required to develop a successful Eskom Expo project. His advice to first-time participants is to recognise the value of every hour they invest in their work, even when the journey becomes demanding.
“Don’t underestimate the value of the work that you put in, the late nights and the endless effort,” Ferreira said. “If you do your part and trust God with the rest, there is no limit to what He can achieve through you.”
Above all, he encourages other young scientists to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
“Remember, it is a shameful mistake not to utilise every opportunity that comes your way.”
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