GAUTENG – A total of 17 young Northern Cape scientists are currently taking part in the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) in Gauteng. They are part of the 316 young South African scientists, alongside 24 international participants, showcasing their research of the past months.

The opening of the ISF took place today, 29 September, bringing together the young South African scientists from 35 regions across all nine provinces and the international participants from 11 countries – Brazil, India, Ireland, Russia, Lesotho, Namibia, China, Türkiye, Tunisia, Mozambique and Ghana, attending both in person and virtually.

Taking place at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from 29 September to 2 October, the ISF marks the culmination of months of research, judging, feedback and project development, with participants now ready to showcase their research and pursue new opportunities after progressing through workshops, district expos and regional science fairs.

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Many projects focus on health and wellbeing, exploring topics such as glucose regulation, gluten reduction, sleep apnoea and disease biomarkers. Others aim to boost learning and academic performance. Learners are also investigating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, applying it to disease diagnosis and solutions for people with disabilities.

Millions of rands in prizes and opportunities await participants at the ISF.

Northern Cape participants

Kimberley region:

• Charles Coetzee, Prieska Combined School;
• Ethan Oberholzer, Upington High School;
• Celeste de Klerk, De Aar High School;
• Dané Swanevelder, Douglas Combined School;
• Khakalethu Wababa, Kimberley Girls’ High School;
• Marco de Carvalho, De Aar High School;
• Adriano de Carvalho, De Aar High School; and
• Dimpho Ganakgomo, Thabane High School, Galeshewe.

Kalahari region:

• Mahir Siddika, Postmasburg High School;
• Kabelo Palagan, Curro Kathu;
• Botlebamorena Moemise, Curro Kathu;
• Keara Strauss, Upington High School; and
• Ciara Strauss, Upington High School.

Namakwa region:

• Kaila Viljoen;
• Elizabeth de Kock, both of the Calvinia Primary School;
• Unonhlanhla Smit, Carnarvon High School; and
• Alishè Malgas, Carnarvon High School.