Young SA scientists awarded medals at IRIS Global Symposium in India

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I&C February 2026 News

Young local scientists have been awarded gold and silver medals at the recent Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) global symposium held in India, where they displayed their scientific brilliance.

Nkanteko Moyane, 15, from Daleview Secondary School in Gauteng was awarded a gold medal for the research 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. I would like to encourage aspiring 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,” said Moyane.

Another medal winner at the event was Jivesh Ramnath, 18, from Hoërskool Richardsbaai in Richards Bay 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. “Winning a silver medal felt exhilarating. It was completely unexpected. My hard work paid off, as the category was extremely competitive, with numerous sophisticated projects. The judging was also very rigorous and stressful. The level of technology was mind-boggling, especially among the youth. Meeting so many brilliant minds truly made the trip worthwhile,” said Ramnath.

Additionally, Melokuhle Khuzwayo and Simesihle Khuzwayo, both 17, from King Bhekuzulu High School in KwaZulu-Natal were awarded participation awards for their research project ‘Double trouble, double solution: Neutralising acids and plastics with nature’s help’. “It was exciting and encouraging to be recognised at the symposium. Being part of the team was a valuable experience, and it was rewarding to see our hard work and preparation pay off,” they said.

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, said: “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. 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).”

For media queries contact JeVanne Gibbs, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, +27, 076 674 1455, [email protected], www.exposcience.co.za

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Young SA scientists awarded medals at IRIS Global Symposium in India

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