- Three Grade 10 learners to represent South Africa at global science event in China.
- Research spans agriculture, environmental remediation and food safety innovation.
- Participation underscores growing focus on youth-led solutions to sustainability challenges.
Three South African learners are set to present research addressing critical challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability and food safety at the 2025 Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition in China.
The event will take place from 25 to 29 March 2026 and will bring together young innovators from across the globe. The South African participants were selected based on scientific merit, relevance and innovation demonstrated at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair held in October 2025.
All three participants are in Grade 10 and include Marlhuné Bezuidenhout from Hoërskool Secunda in Mpumalanga, Naftal Khoza from Ennerdale Secondary School in Johannesburg and Khushi Lall from Tyger Valley College in Pretoria.
Bezuidenhout will present research examining pasture based sheep farming systems, with a focus on the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the implications for livestock productivity, lambing rates, growth performance and human health. The study provides a systematic evaluation of environmental exposure under real farming conditions and highlights an often overlooked risk factor in livestock production.
Khushi Lall from Tyger Valley College in Pretoria. Image credit: Eskom
Khoza’s research evaluates the phytoremediation potential of alien invasive plant species for removing heavy metals and nutrient contaminants from soil. The project compares invasive species with a native plant under controlled contamination conditions, assessing tolerance, growth performance and contaminant reduction. The work contributes to the development of cost effective and sustainable environmental remediation solutions.
Lall will showcase research into plant based food preservation using garlic. The study investigates cultivation methods and extraction techniques of indigenous wild garlic and its hybrid, evaluating antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The findings support the development of natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives and contribute to the expanding field of plant based antimicrobials.
Marlhuné Bezuidenhout from Hoërskool Secunda. Image credit: Eskom
The South African delegation will be supported by representatives from the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement and the University of the Witwatersrand.
The Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition is recognised as one of the leading global platforms for young researchers, promoting the advancement of scientific and technological innovation among youth. The 45th edition will be hosted at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said the initiative plays a critical role in developing future talent in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation. She noted that the programme creates opportunities for learners to strengthen research capabilities while engaging with global peers and contributing to solutions that address pressing global challenges.
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 4 students, can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
