Tuesday, 31 March 2026: South Africa’s young scientists have once again demonstrated excellence on the global stage, achieving outstanding results at the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²) and the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) in China.
I-FEST²
At I-FEST², held from 23 to 29 March 2026, three learners who represented South Africa delivered exceptional performances. Nicolaas Steenkamp, a Grade 10 learner at Hoërskool Stellenbosch in the Western Cape was awarded a Gold medal. Nathan Moolman, a Grade 11 learner from Leeuwenhof Akademie in Bedfordview, Gauteng received a Silver medal, while Diya Zacaria, a Grade 11 learner from The High School for Girls Potchefstroom in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, North West earned a Bronze medal.
Reflecting on his achievement, Steenkamp said: “Winning an award at IFEST² was incredibly rewarding, as it shows that all the hard work that I invested into the project has paid off. It reassured me that what I was doing was interesting not just to me, but also meaningful to others. The highlight of IFEST² was going to the different heritage sites in Tunisia and learning about the rich history of Tunisia. It was incredibly fascinating visiting the Amphitheatre of El Jem and the Bardo Museum. Culture night was also very memorable, as it highlighted the diversity in our world and the differences between cultures. I was pleasantly surprised to realise just how diverse South Africa is in comparison to some other countries,” he said.
Moolman described his experience as equally rewarding: “Winning a silver medal feels really rewarding. It shows that all the effort and time put into the project was worth it. The highlight has been hearing so many different languages and meeting people from all over the world. It’s been really cool seeing another part of the world and experiencing something completely different. I spoke with people from different countries and learned about their cultures. It was really interesting hearing their perspectives and understanding how different and similar people are. Just try things, even if they don’t work. You learn more from making mistakes than getting it right the first time. Keep going and don’t overthink it too much,” he said.
Diya Zacaria highlighted the cultural and personal impact of the experience: “It feels surreal. Seeing all the hours of work finally pay off is deeply gratifying. The highlight of my trip to Tunisia was the many interactions I had with people. Experiencing the culture and way of life of both Tunisians and individuals from around the world is something I will always treasure. Dr Ken Silburn’s workshop and presentation centred around space were really inspiring. The trips to the Amphitheatre of El Jem and Sidi Bou Said were particularly memorable and stood out to me. I had the opportunity to experience a variety of Tunisian foods. During the cultural night, I also tasted delicious sweets and enjoyed watching traditional dances and songs from different parts of the world. Always continue believing in yourself. There will be ups and downs, but that is part of the journey. Never be discouraged by the words of others. Keep trying; it will be worth it in the end,” she said.
BYSCC
At the BYSCC, held from 25 to 29 March 2026, Khushi Lall, a Grade 10 learner from Tyger Valley College in Pretoria, was awarded a Gold medal. Naftal Khoza, a Grade 10 learner from Ennerdale Secondary School in Johannesburg and Marlhuné Bezuidenhout, a Grade 10 learner from Hoërskool Secunda in Mpumalanga, each received Silver medals.
Lall described her achievement as a dream come true: “I’m still pinching myself to see if it’s real. Being surrounded by talented individuals and innovative projects made me feel inspired and motivated, and to have my own project recognised with a Gold medal is an honour I’m still trying to take in. Meeting new people from across the globe and learning about their cultures was a truly eye-opening experience that I will never forget. To aspiring young scientists, I would advise conducting more research than you think is necessary, embracing constructive criticism, and making the most of the entire journey,” she said.
Khoza reflected on the significance of perseverance: “Winning an award at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition is an incredible honour, and the hard work has paid off. The experience has been truly unforgettable. The highlight of my trip to Beijing was visiting the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. I was impressed by the rich cultural heritage and the efforts to preserve history in China. It is truly worth visiting. To inspire young people, I would say that perseverance and a willingness to adapt are essential to achieving success. I have been working towards this goal for four years, and it is a testament to the power of persistence. Do not give up, even when faced with challenges; the rewards are worth it,” he said.
Bezuidenhout shared her experience of competing on an international stage: “I don’t think any of us realised how big the BYSCC really was when we left South Africa to participate. I feel truly blessed to have been part of such a prestigious, world-class event. Representing my country and my school was a great honour, and winning an award makes me extremely proud. One of the highlights was seeing how science and technology are taken to a whole new level in China, and meeting people from different countries and cultures. Visiting the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City was an amazing experience. The traditional dances and opera were also great to watch, and trying Chinese cuisine was exciting. My advice to other learners is to choose a topic you are passionate about, work hard and dream big,” she said.
The participants were selected based on the scientific merit, relevance and innovation demonstrated in their research projects at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), held in October 2025. The BYSCC team was supported by delegation leader Lekgabe Dihlabi, Eskom Expo Bethlehem Regional Science Fair Director, along with Tebalo Tsatsi from the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), and Professor Ken Nixon from the University of the Witwatersrand. The I-FEST² team travelled under the guidance of delegation leader Anina Nel, Eskom Expo Welkom Regional Science Fair Director.
On behalf of Eskom, Mologadi Motshele, the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) extended heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional young scientists for their outstanding performance at the two international science fairs. “Their achievements are a powerful testament to how knowledge acquired in the classroom can be deepened through practical application at the Eskom Expo, and further elevated on global platforms where our learners compete among the very best in the world.
“The Expo continues to serve as a critical platform for nurturing research capabilities, fostering innovation, and enabling learners to develop solutions to real-world challenges, while gaining valuable international exposure. This success is a strong and encouraging indicator for our country, as we witness the next generation of scientists, researchers and engineers being cultivated in real time,” Motshele said.
Eskom Expo’s District Expos will commence in April across South Africa, providing learners with the opportunity to present their research projects and receive expert feedback. School learners in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students, can register by clicking here.
CreativeBox
