Cape Town - Young scientists from the Western Cape bagged special awards at this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair.
The fair was held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from September 23-27, and brought together the brightest young scientists from across South Africa and various countries worldwide.
Salusiwe Mxayiya, a grade 11 learner at Luhlaza High School in Khayelitsha, was presented the best development project award for investigating the population dynamics and infection rates of Hector’s lanternfish – a common species found along the West Coast of South Africa.
Mxayiya, 17, collected 500 samples from across various locations in the Southern Benguela area.
Her study highlights the negative ecological and economic impacts of the parasite, emphasising the need for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, to consider reducing allowable catches to prevent further depletion of the lantern fish population.
She aspires to venture into physical oceanography, and said her research was inspired by the lack of black females in marine biology.
“I wanted to make a difference by contributing and inspiring my peers as well.
“It took me seven months and visiting five labs to get to the final product, and I couldn't have done it without the help and support from my teachers.”
She said winning made her feel overwhelmed and excited.
“I realised how far I came with research and how possible things also are for me, you just have to look for the gap and feel it as best as you can, even if it means you believe in something no-one else believes in.”
To the youth she advised to do something close to the school curriculum so that they can also get support from their teachers.
Lukusa Tshizubu, a grade 12 learner at Parow High School, walked away with the best energy project award. The judges were impressed with his project titled, GreenHauler - Construction Debris Management Truck.
The goal of his project was to build the truck, designed to use renewable energy and innovative on-site debris processing for efficient construction debris management.
The project expertly advances sustainable practices in the industry, highlighting the importance of investing in green technologies and paving the way for further innovations in environmentally friendly construction solutions.
Education MEC David Maynier, congratulated the learners.
“You have represented us so well on an international stage. It is exciting to see the innovative ideas of our learners in this field, and I look forward to seeing our achievers continue their journeys of curiosity and exploration in the sciences.”
Cape Argus