​Thembisa Shologu
Curiosity, creativity, and unwavering dedication propelled two young scientists from Gauteng to triumph at the 43rd Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
The ISF saw over 300 local young scientists stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 20 international peers representing Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, and Turkey in an event held from 3 to 6 October at the Birchwood Hotel Conference Centre in Boksburg.
The fair served as a platform to promote STEM education while fostering innovation, inspiring future scientists to research interests, concerns, and problem-solving real-world challenges. 
Likitha Chundru, from Bryanston High School in Johannesburg, emerged as the 2023 Top Senior Scientist, earning an impressive prize of R75 000, while Inge Higgins, representing Die Hoërskool Menlopark, claimed the 2023 Top Junior Scientist award, accompanied by a generous R50 000 cash prize.
Chundru's pioneering research focused on enhancing the germination and growth of non-legume plants using Rhizobium spp. Bacteria. These findings will help farmers produce major crops within shorter time frames, significantly contributing to global food security.
For her part, Higgins investigated the impact of biodegradable olive-pulp plant pots on the germination and early growth of Afrikaner, Namaqualand Daisy, and Sunflower seeds.
She found that probiotics further accelerated the germination of these seeds. This Grade 9 learner impressed the Judges with her scientific investigative approach and novel research method.
"I started with the whole idea last year and finished the project last month. My experiment was inspired by my grandfather, who has an olive farm in the Northern Cape. I am excited that my project impressed the judges," expressed Inge. 
The ISF awarded 54 gold, 92 silver, 105 bronze medals, 62 Highly Commended certificates and 23 bursaries, along with various other prizes.
Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty emphasised that the ISF was a celebration of the tireless efforts, commitment, and dedication displayed by the brightest young minds from both South Africa and the global community.
"This is one of the things that Eskom does very well, and that is celebrating our science. On loadshedding, we celebrate the amazing solutions that come out of our learners, solutions to take care of our challenges.
"You are our future researchers, scientists, and innovators; you are helping us solve local challenges, and your solutions will help us address the various pains we have in the country. Thank you for the ideas born here today," said Chetty.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Buti Manamela commended the learners' projects for their relevance to the real problems and challenges faced by the nation and the world. 
Manamela encouraged the learners to persist with their diverse projects, spanning fields such as biotechnology, electricity generation, water preservation, and food security. 
"The variety of the projects I saw illustrates that one is never too young to understand the world they live in; secondly, that innovation, science and technology and whatever is learned in the classroom must be translated into resolving real-life challenges.
"I want to encourage all of you to continue working on your projects and ask those questions. Questions heighten curiosity, and if your project gives you new ideas, explore those because that is the only way we can contribute to changing the world," urged Manamela.