Naftal Khoza, a Grade 10 learner from Ennerdale Secondary School has been awarded a Silver medal at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) held in China from 25 to 29 March 2026.
Khoza was part of a South African team selected to compete internationally following their performance at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair held in October 2025. The competition brought together young scientists from across the world, with participants judged on the scientific merit, relevance and innovation of their research projects.
Also representing South Africa at the Beijing competition, Khushi Lall, a Grade 10 learner from Tyger Valley College, received a Gold medal, while Marlhuné Bezuidenhout from Hoërskool Secunda was awarded Silver.
South African learners also participated in the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology (IFEST²) held in Tunisia from 23 to 29 March 2026. Nicolaas Steenkamp from Hoërskool Stellenbosch received a Gold medal, Nathan Moolman from Leeuwenhof Akademie was awarded Silver, and Diya Zacaria from The High School for Girls Potchefstroom received Bronze.
The BYSCC team was supported by delegation leader Lekgabe Dihlabi, Eskom Expo Bethlehem Regional Science Fair Director, Tebalo Tsatsi from the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, and Professor Ken Nixon from the University of the Witwatersrand. The IFEST² team was led by Anina Nel, Eskom Expo Welkom Regional Science Fair Director.
Eskom Acting Chief Executive Officer Mologadi Motshele congratulated the learners, stating that their achievements reflect the value of applying classroom knowledge through platforms such as the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
Eskom Expo District Expos are set to begin across South Africa in April, with learners encouraged to register their research projects.
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