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Four young South African science whizzes are set to represent the nation at the 2025 World Innovative Science Project Olympiad (WISPO) in Bali, Indonesia, from 10 to 13 December.
All four learners earned Gold at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF). Their groundbreaking projects, ranging from AI audio detection to lavender oil fungicides, stood out for their innovation and real-world impact.
The delegation will be led by Jane Wasonga, Regional Director at Eskom Expo’s Johannesburg Science Fair.
Who is representing South Africa?
The four finalists, selected for their creativity, technical skill and societal relevance, are:
| Learner | Grade | School | Project Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dzunisa Chauke | 12 | Khanyisa Education Centre (Mopani) | AI voice classification system to detect synthetic audio |
| Milla Vorster | 11 | Curro Durbanville (Stellenbosch) | 3D bioprinting of vascularised organs for regenerative medicine |
| Ismaail (Miles) Hassen | 11 | Greenside High School (Johannesburg) | Affordable wearable navigation device for the visually impaired |
| Albertus (Wium) van Niekerk | 10 | Paul Roos Gymnasium (Stellenbosch) | Lavender oil as an eco-friendly fungicide for citrus crops |
Why this matters
These projects address urgent global issues:
- Cybersecurity: Chauke’s tool uses Random Forest models and MFCCs to spot AI-generated voices — a growing fraud threat.
- Healthcare: Vorster’s bioprinted organ tissues support surgical training and future organ transplants.
- Disability innovation: Hassen’s low-cost “Walk-Man” device offers real-time GPS and obstacle detection for blind users.
- Sustainable farming: Van Niekerk’s lavender oil tests show promise as a green alternative to synthetic fungicides.
Eskom encourages more young scientists to step up
Eskom and the Indonesia Scientific Society (ISS), organisers of WISPO, say platforms like this help learners grow their global networks and sharpen their skills.
“By developing a strong pathway of scientists and innovators through the Eskom Expo, we build a promising future for South Africa,” said Eskom Development Foundation Acting CEO, Mologadi Motshele.
“We urge schools and learners to follow their example and pursue STEMI opportunities boldly,” added Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty.
How to get involved
Registrations are now open for the next Eskom Expo.
Who can enter:
- Grade 4–12 learners
- TVET students (NC(V) Level 2–4)
How to register:
Visit: www.exposcience.co.za
