Grade 10 learner Nkateko Moyane from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale, in southern Johannesburg has already achieved what many young scientists dream of: multiple medals and prestigious special awards at a national level.
At the 45th Eskom Expo ISF, on 6 to 25 October at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park Moyane walked away with three major awards, including: the Afric Training College Award (laptop), the Shanice Francis Memorial Award (R5 000 cash prize), and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Award for the Best Project on Environmental Monitoring (tablet computer), along with a coveted Gold medal.
“Winning at the ISF was one of the most exciting and emotional moments of my life,” said Moyane.
“I didn’t just win one award, I received three! The incentives and rewards I got were things I honestly thought I’d only experience once I started working, not while still in high school. Coming from a rural area, it meant so much to be recognised at such a big national level. It showed me that hard work, curiosity, and belief in yourself really do pay off,” he added.
Moyane’s journey with Eskom Expo began in 2022, when he was in Grade 7. “At first, I wasn’t really interested, but my Natural Sciences teacher, Ma’am Shange, encouraged me to give it a try. With her support, I joined, and I’m so glad I did!” he recalled.
Since then, Moyane has earned Gold and Bronze medals, as well as several special awards.Beyond the awards, the ISF experience left a lasting impression on him.
“One of my best moments was visiting the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome and watching a movie at the cinema, that experience was unforgettable! I also really enjoyed staying at the hotel, it was comfortable, fun, and gave me the chance to meet and connect with other young scientists from across the country,” he said.
Moyane’s curiosity and passion for science have been a driving force behind his success. “I’ve always been curious about how things work. My passion for STEMI grew when I realised how science and technology can be used to solve real-world problems, like energy shortages, pollution, or water contamination. That’s what drives me to keep learning and innovating,” he said.
While science has become his main focus, Moyane also has other interests. “I used to play soccer, but I had to stop because of health reasons, even though I still love watching it! My favourite teams are Manchester City, FC Barcelona, and Kaizer Chiefs,” he said.
“I also enjoy learning about computers and coding, because I want to become a Software Engineer in the future, ” Moyane added.
As a message to fellow young scientists, Moyane shared words of encouragement: “Don’t give up! Even if you don’t win a medal or an award the first time. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and learn from your mistakes. Every ‘failed’ experiment is actually a step closer to getting it right. Believe in your ideas, work hard, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.”
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