Fifteen-year-old, Nkateko Moyane, from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale scooped Gold at the 2026 Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium held in New Dehli, India between 27 and 31 January for his groundbreaking project, “ECOHARVEST: Integrated Phytoremediation for Contaminated Soil and Mining Wastewater,” which showed that phytoremediation works.
“Winning an award at IRIS Global Symposium felt great because it shows that my hard work and dedication have been recognised on such a big international platform. I am proud to represent my country and grateful to everyone who supported me along the way, especially Eskom Expo for Young Scientists,” Moyane said.
He continued to encourage aspiring scientists: “I would like to encourage young scientists to believe in themselves and their ideas. Every ‘failed’ experiment is a step closer to getting it right. With hard work, dedication, and persistence, you can achieve more than you can imagine.”
Another medal winner at the event, held from 27 to 31 January 2026 in New Delhi, was Jivesh Ramnath, 18, from Hoërskool Richardsbaai in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal for the research project, “JØ7 Vireo: Development of a low-cost AI-powered navigation device for the blind and visually impaired”, which enables blind and visually impaired persons to perceive their environment through real time object identification and distance awareness.
Ramnath said: ““Winning a Silver medal at the IRIS Global Symposium in the computer science category felt exhilarating. It was completely unexpected.”
Additionally, Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, both 17, from King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal were awarded Participation Awards for their research project, “Double Trouble, Double Solution: Neutralising acids and plastics with nature’s help.”
The IRIS Global Symposium is structured into two cohorts. This cohort featured 77 young scientists from 17 states and 23 cities, who presented 58 projects. The event served as a prestigious platform for top-performing students to present scientific solutions to real-world challenges, particularly in environmental sustainability and assistive technology.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, congrdulated Moyane: “Congratulations to our learners on their outstanding achievements! Their success reflects the exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation that South Africa nurtures. Eskom Expo is proud to have supported these young scientists, as investing in their growth strengthens our country’s future by cultivating leaders who will drive technological advancement, sustainability, and positive social impact.
According to Chetty, their achievements stand as an inspiration to learners across South Africa, to participate in the Eskom Expo and to explore the boundless opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation(STEMI).
Registration to take part in the Eskom Expo is open. 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 their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za
