For Grade 11 learner Sinegugu Nkosi, seeing challenges affecting young people in her community inspired her to investigate a problem she had noticed for years. That research ultimately took her from rural Mpumalanga to the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), where she received her first major award.
Nkosi attends Umzimvelo Agricultural Combined School and comes from the rural area of Amsterdam in Mpumalanga. Representing the Gert Sibande Region, she received a Highly Commended Certificate and the Wits School of Human and Community Development Award, which included a tablet computer valued at R8 000.
Receiving the award in front of a large audience was an unforgettable moment for Nkosi.
“For the first time in my life, I had won an award in front of a lot of people I did not know, and I felt so happy because finally someone recognised my hard work and dedication to the project I’ve been working on for years,” she said. “This achievement means a lot to me. It has encouraged me to do more of what I was thinking of doing with my project.”
Her research was inspired by what she observed among learners in her community, particularly those experiencing loneliness. She wanted to investigate the issue and contribute towards finding a solution.
“My passion comes from the people in my community because I noticed that a lot of learners were lonely and I wanted to provide a solution to that,” Nkosi said. “It also comes from what I see happening in our country.”
Her Eskom Expo journey began when a teacher introduced the programme to learners at her school. Nkosi already had several ideas she wanted to explore, and Eskom Expo gave her the chance to turn them into research.
That journey eventually brought her to ISF, where she met young scientists from provinces across South Africa, as well as participants from other countries. “I got a chance to meet people from other provinces and countries, and I also saw projects that were amazing,” she said.
She particularly valued the opportunity to learn during the event, including what she gained from engaging with a mathematician at ISF.
Nkosi’s interest in her research now extends beyond the science fair. One of her interests is visiting schools to speak to other learners about her current research, allowing her to share what she has learnt and raise awareness about the issue she is investigating.
Her ISF achievement has strengthened her motivation to continue developing the project rather than viewing the competition as the end of the journey.
For young scientists considering Eskom Expo for the first time, Nkosi encourages them to stay committed to their research while using the guidance and support available to them. “I’d advise them to work harder, ask for help, do research and follow the instructions they are given,” she said.
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