By Thapelo Molefe
Two promising young South African learners are set to represent the country at the prestigious International Festival of Engineering, Science, and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²) later this month.
The event, taking place from 21 to 27 March, brings together some of the brightest young scientific minds from across the world.
The learners, Hamzah Ismail and Vibhav Ramdas, both Grade 12 learners from St Dominics Newcastle School in KwaZulu-Natal, will compete in the Environmental Science and Computer Science categories, respectively.
Their participation follows their outstanding performances at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair 2024, where they secured gold medals. Their selection for I-FEST² was made by a panel of academics and industry professionals, recognising their projects for their innovative and practical contributions to global challenges.
The duo will be accompanied to Tunisia by Eskom Expo’s Kenneth Kaunda and the Regional Science Fair director Sethato Maputle.
Ismail will present his research project on “developing eco-friendly, fire-retardant plastic bricks as an alternative in modern construction”, in the Environmental Science category. His work addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste by repurposing it into durable and sustainable construction materials.
These innovative bricks not only contribute to reducing environmental pollution but also offer a cost-effective and fire-resistant solution for the construction industry. With further development, Hamzah’s work has the potential to revolutionise building practices on a global scale.
Ramdas will compete in the Computer Science category with his project, “using object detection to improve road maintenance”. His research leverages artificial intelligence to identify road defects, enhancing maintenance processes and improving traffic safety.
The project demonstrates the potential of machine learning in addressing real-world infrastructure challenges, making it a strong contender on the international stage. The technology has far-reaching applications in both local and global contexts, where road conditions remain a critical concern for transportation and safety.
Eskom Development Foundation acting CEO Mologadi Motshele expressed pride in the learners’ achievements.
“Through the Eskom Expo, learners are encouraged to tackle real-world problems using scientific inquiry. The work of Hamzah and Vibhav reflects the power of youth-driven innovation in addressing critical challenges such as environmental sustainability and road safety.
“Eskom remains committed to supporting young scientists and providing them with opportunities to transform their ideas into impactful solutions,” she said.
Eskom Expo executive director Parthy Chetty echoed these sentiments.
“These exceptional young scientists are showcasing South Africa’s emerging talent on a global platform. Their journey is a testament to the impact of STEM education and mentorship in shaping future innovators. We congratulate them and wish them success as they represent our country at I-FEST²,” Chetty said.
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists continues to provide a platform for young minds to explore and develop groundbreaking solutions.
Registration for Eskom Expo 2025 is now open for learners in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students (NCV Level 2–4). Interested participants can register at www.exposcience.co.za.
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