A Gr. 8 learner of the Eunice High School, Denica Swartz, walked away with the Top Junior Scientist Award at the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) held in Johannesburg from 29 September to 2 October.
With her project – “Quantitative Evaluation of Lactic Acid as a Treatment for Eutrophic Pond Water” – Denica investigated lactic acid’s potential to control excessive algal growth in eutrophic water. Her research found significant reductions in algal biomass, including a 77.92% decrease in chlorophyll-a under one treatment, while also identifying the ecological limitations associated with increased water acidity.
With her project, she won a R50 00 cash prize. She also won a gold medal in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
What began as questions, observations and ideas developed into award-winning research as this year’s ISF concluded with young scientists receiving top honours and opportunities that could take their work far beyond the exhibition floor.
Other gold medal winners from Bloemfontein include Charlotte Gibbens of the Jim Fouché High School, and Rorisang Mohlobuli of the Bloemfontein High School. Silver medals went to Rebecca Botha of the Acellus Academy and Lilly McPherson of Eunice, with a bronze medal awarded to Jemma Myburgh also of Eunice.
ALSO READ: Young innovators from Bloemfontein join Eskom Science Fair.
The Bloemfontein learners did not only compete against the top young scientists in South Africa, but also participants from countries like Tunisia, Ghana, Russia, Brazil, China, Turkey, and Namibia.
Read more online on the Eskom Expo International Science Fair winners.
