SA young scientists achieve top honours at international science competition in Türkiye

Wednesday, 10 June 2026: Three South African learners have returned home with outstanding results after representing the country at the 1923 International Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Fair (IMSEF) held in İzmir, Türkiye, from 1 to 6 June 2026.

The South African delegation included Connor Kinnes, a Grade 11 learner from Elkanah House High School in Cape Town; Joshua Danilatos, a Grade 11 learner from Graeme College in Makhanda; and Rorisang Mohau Mohlobuli, a Grade 9 learner from Hoërskool Bloemfontein in the Free State. The delegation was led by Palesa Selepe, Eskom Expo Ekurhuleni Regional Science Fair Director.

The learners achieved the following results:

• Kinnes received First Place and a Gold medal in the Engineering category and was awarded Best Project in Engineering for his project, “Project Pathfinder: Design and Optimisation of a Static Test Rocket Motor”.
• Danilatos received First Place and a Gold medal in the Biology category for his project, “Catch-and-Release in a Warming Climate: Effects on Reflex Impairment and Stress in Rhabdosargus holubi”.
• Mohlobuli received Second Place and a Silver medal in the Mathematics category for his project, “Quantifying Goldbach: An Analysis of Prime Pairs”.

Kinnes (17) said winning both First Place in Engineering and the Best Project in Engineering Award was a rewarding culmination of years of effort. “Winning felt like a special moment where the countless hours of hard work paid off. It felt akin to attaining the mark you aimed and worked towards,” he said. The young scientist cited the visit to Ephesus (believed to be the home of the Apostle John and the Virgin Mary) as the highlight of the trip to Türkiye and valued the opportunity to learn about other cultures through food and cultural performances.

His advice to future participants was to remain committed to improving their projects. “Always keep investing in your project through continuous refinement. Though this may seem exhausting at the time, the long-term benefits of developing scientific skills will pay off later. Always believe that you have what it takes to succeed in your research efforts, even when times are tough,” he added.

Reflecting on his achievement, Danilatos (17) said receiving First Place in the Biology category made all the hard work worthwhile. “It felt really great. I also felt really lucky and privileged to be able to experience it. It made all the hard work and long hours I invested in the project worth it,” he said. He described visiting the ancient city of Ephesus as the highlight of his trip, and he enjoyed meeting fellow participants from around the world. “I tasted many different cultural foods. I also enjoyed seeing the various countries’ traditional dances and how they are all unique and different,” he further said.

Danilatos encouraged aspiring young scientists to pursue projects that genuinely interest them. “Just follow your passion and always work hard. If you are investigating a topic that interests you, it will be a lot easier and more enjoyable, and you won’t even feel like work. Always believe in yourself and your project and make the entire experience an enjoyable one,” he concluded.

Mohlobuli said receiving recognition at an international competition was a proud moment. “It felt amazing. A lot of hard work went into my project, so having it recognised at an international competition is something I couldn’t be prouder of,” he said. Like his teammates, he highlighted the Ephesus tour as a memorable experience and enjoyed participating in the Food Exchange and Cultural Night. “I had the chance to try amazing food from different parts of the world and watch cultural dances from various countries. It was insightful to learn about different cultures through dance and food,” he added.

Mohlobuli (15) encouraged young scientists to embrace their individuality and unique perspectives. “The best thing you can do as an aspiring young scientist is to be yourself at all times. Your unique perspective, interests and ideas are what allow you to think differently and make meaningful contributions. Don’t be afraid to stand out,” he said.

Mologadi Motshele, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, said: “Having had the opportunity to accompany Team South Africa to Türkiye and witness their journey firsthand, I saw not only the exceptional quality of their research, but also their confidence, resilience and ability to engage with young scientists from around the world.”

“Through Eskom’s support of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we are investing in experiences that extend far beyond the competition itself. These international opportunities expose learners to new ideas, cultures and ways of thinking, while helping them develop the skills, networks and confidence needed to succeed in an international research community. Seeing our young scientists present their projects with professionalism and pride, and then achieve such outstanding results, reinforced the value of this investment. Their success demonstrates the remarkable potential of South Africa’s young people and the important role that STEM education plays in developing future scientists, engineers and innovators who will contribute to the country’s economic and social development,” added Motshele.

Eskom Expo’s District Expos are currently underway in all provinces across the country. School learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) Level 2-4 students can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za

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For media queries, contact: JeVanne Gibbs at [email protected]

ENDS