Nongoma, KZN twins to showcase innovative research at global science symposium in India

Excited twins, Melokuhle and Simesihle Khuzwayo, from King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma, will be representing South Africa at an international science symposium in India this month.

It will be their first journey beyond South Africa’s borders and a milestone in their rapidly unfolding scientific endeavours that has already captured national attention.

The twins are among four South African learners selected to represent the country at the Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium, taking place in India from January 27 to 31, 2026.

Their selection follows their outstanding performance at the 2025 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.

Melokuhle and Simesihle will present a joint research project titled “Double Trouble, Double Solution: Neutralising acids and plastics with nature’s help”.

Their study demonstrated that banana peel and yeast extracts can reduce water acidity and remove visible microplastics as effectively and in some cases more effectively, than conventional chemical treatments. The findings point to an accessible, low-cost approach to improving water quality, particularly in resource-constrained communities.

For Melokuhle, the opportunity is both professionally and personally significant.

“This will be my first time travelling outside of South Africa, and I am extremely excited,” she said.

“I feel very grateful to have been given such a rare and meaningful opportunity.”

She added that the international exposure is a key motivation for the trip. “I hope to build friendships with students from other countries, learn about different cultures and languages, and gain exposure to different international projects. I am really looking forward to broadening my knowledge and exploring how other young people approach innovation.”

Despite the whirlwind of recognition and new experiences, Melokuhle remains focused on her long-term goals.

She is planning to study Mining Engineering this year.

“Receiving the Eskom bursary has made this possible for me, and I am thankful that it allows me to follow my desired career path.”

Simesihle echoed the excitement of travelling abroad for the first time, confirming: “Yes, it is the first time out of the country.”

She said she hopes the symposium will offer meaningful global learning opportunities, adding that she looks forward to “learning more about other cultures and gaining more exposure to scientific approaches in other countries.”

Life after the release of matric results has been very busy for both sisters, particularly for Simesihle, who was recognised as one of national top learners.

“After results, life has been intensely busy due to interviews and attending award ceremonies,” she said. “I was a national top learner, so I had a lot of attention on me.”

Melokuhle described the post-matric period as emotionally demanding but hopeful. “Life has been busy and a bit stressful, especially with waiting for a university acceptance. It is definitely not easy, but overall things have been going well, and I am hopeful about the future.”

The other KZN learner attending the expo is Jivesh Ramnath from Hoërskool Richardsbaai in Richards Bay. 

His project was JØ7 Vireo: Development of a low-cost AI-powered navigation device for the blind and visually impaired.

Ramnath's innovation enables blind and visually impaired persons to perceive their environment through real time object identification and distance awareness.

Eskom expo noted that his is research highlights the potential for affordable and scalable AI-driven mobility devices with key emphases on hardware optimisation, model performance, and user interaction.

The fourth student is Nkanteko Moyane from Daleview Secondary School, Gauteng whose research topic was Integrated Phytoremediation for contaminated soil and mining wastewater.

The students will compete under the guidance of Dr Krishnie Naidoo, Eskom Expo Academic Director, as part of the official South African delegation. Their participation reflects Eskom Expo’s broader mission to nurture young scientific talent and provide platforms for learners to address real-world challenges through research and innovation.

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