Eskom Expo for Young Scientists alumna and former Ladysmith High School learner, Yashoda Naidoo, is using her passion for science and innovation to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, while inspiring the next generation of young researchers through her journey of curiosity, resilience and purpose.
Originally from the small town of Ladysmith, Naidoo has transformed her early interest in science and innovation into a rewarding career in healthcare.
Naidoo completed her schooling in Ladysmith before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. After completing her community service in her hometown, she relocated to Gauteng and transitioned into the private healthcare sector. She is currently furthering her studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Her decision to pursue physiotherapy was driven by a natural desire to help others, combined with a fascination for how the human body functions. “Physiotherapy felt like the perfect combination of my interests, allowing me to apply scientific knowledge in a practical and meaningful way,” she says. The hands-on nature of the profession and the opportunity to support patients through their recovery journey continue to motivate her.
Naidoo’s passion for science began at a young age and was supported through her participation in the Eskom Expo. Her fascination with environmental sustainability inspired her to explore innovative ideas such as recycling expired medication into plant fertiliser, and using compost heat as an energy source. “The Expo provided me with a platform to turn my ideas into tangible projects and challenged me to think critically, creatively and innovatively,” she says.
Her involvement with Eskom Expo extended beyond her school years. Naidoo has remained actively engaged as a regional judge for the Expo’s Northern KwaZulu-Natal Regional Science Fair, and will also be serving as a judge in Gauteng.
“Progressing from an Expo participant to a judge has been a full-circle experience for me. As a participant, I remember the excitement, nervousness, and pride that came with presenting my work, as well as the impact that feedback from judges had on my growth and confidence. Those experiences shaped how I approached science and innovation, and ultimately inspired my continued involvement in research and academia,” she says.
“As a judge, I now have the privilege of being on the other side of that process by supporting learners as they navigate their own scientific journeys. It has been rewarding to engage with young scientists who are full of curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking. I especially enjoy seeing how diverse their ideas are and how passionate they are about solving real-world problems, often with very limited resources. The most rewarding aspect of judging for me is being able to encourage and uplift learners, particularly by helping them see the value in their ideas and the potential of their work, even if it is still developing,” she added.
This continued involvement reflects Naidoo’s commitment to supporting and mentoring the next generation of young scientists.
One of Naidoo’s most memorable experiences was being selected to represent South Africa in the Beijing Youth Science Symposium in 2018. The opportunity allowed her to engage with young scientists from around the world, gain exposure to innovative research and visit iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China. “It was an eye-opening experience that broadened my perspective and showed me the vast opportunities that exist beyond my immediate environment,” she recalls.
A significant career milestone for Naidoo was completing her community service in Ladysmith in 2024. During this time, she identified a gap in pelvic health management within the district, particularly in relation to awareness and access to specialised care. This insight inspired her to pursue a Master’s research study aimed at addressing this gap, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes and accessibility within the public sector.
“My research proposal was accepted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and I am currently in the process of completing my Master’s degree. Through this work, I hope to contribute meaningful evidence that can help improve pelvic health management within the public healthcare sector more broadly, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and more equitable access to care,” she says.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Naidoo is passionate about running and completed her first full marathon last year. She describes running as both a physical and mental challenge that has strengthened her discipline, resilience and perseverance.
Naidoo credits Eskom Expo for developing her confidence and shaping her approach to problem-solving. She encourages young scientists to embrace the learning process and not fear failure. “Science is not about getting everything right the first time. It is about exploration, testing ideas and learning from what does not work,” she says.
Looking ahead, she believes the Expo should continue evolving alongside global scientific trends, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI). “Learners should be encouraged to explore how AI can support scientific discovery, data analysis, healthcare solutions, environmental monitoring, and education, while still ensuring that critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making remain central to the process,” she says.
Through her journey from Expo participant to healthcare professional and Regional Science Fair judge, Naidoo exemplifies how early exposure to science and innovation can shape meaningful careers and contribute to positive change in society.
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