Two budding KwaZulu-Natal scientists will represent South Africa at the International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²) where they will showcase their innovative research on a global stage.
Hamzah Ismail and Vibhav Ramdas, both Grade 12 pupils at St Dominics Newcastle School in Newcastle, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, will compete in the environmental science and computer science categories.
Ismail and Ramdas, who were both Eskom Expo International Science Fair 2024 gold medal recipients, earned the opportunity to showcase their research projects from March 21 to 27 following a nomination by a panel of academics and professionals at the Eskom Expo.
I-FEST², is a 9-day-festival organised by ATAST, the Tunisian Association for the future of Science and Technology, and is open to all students between the ages of 14 and 24.The 9-day program will offer an educational and fun experience with activities, new discoveries, and an opportunity for learners to immerse themselves in the Tunisian culture.
Ismail's research project in the environmental science category was titled, “Developing eco-friendly, fire-retardant plastic bricks as an alternative in modern construction”.
His project was selected for the fair due to its potential environmental impact, practicality, and remarkable scientific merit – making it a strong representation of South Africa’s contributions to global challenges in engineering and technology.
The project, which has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, addresses the urgent issue of plastic waste by repurposing it into eco-friendly construction materials. It aims to make building practices more sustainable, cost-effective, and safe. It could also help combat plastic pollution.
Ismail, 19, said the aim of his project was to tackle homelessness and plastic pollution.
"I decided to make bricks with plastic. The concern was the flammability of the bricks. To test the fire retardancy I mixed different chemicals in the plastic mixture to see how long it will take to return to liquid form. When I tested it against a clay brick, the clay brick cracked faster. I would like to see this product used in the real world some day and benefit people," he said.
Ismail said he was looking forward to the trip and showing his project.
Ramdas's project in the computer science category titled, “Using Object Detection to Improve Road Maintenance” was selected due to its innovative technology, practical real-world applications, and potential to make a significant impact on road safety and maintenance.
He said it is a project he has been building on since Grade 10 when he first started by creating a software that identified a pothole on the road.
"Using a webcam and software I was able to create real-time video. With two webcams installed in a car running of a software it would create a box around the pothole and alert the driver with a buzzer.
"I have also created a database on an app. The driver would download the app on their phone and put in their destination and it will give a route with the least number of potholes. I have devised the pothole costing emulator and a pothole database app," he said.
Ramdas said he was in the process of having it patented and will then be taking it to the roads maintenance departments in government. He said this project was as a result of the number of potholes in his small hometown which frustrated his parents and now him as a driver.
Ramdas, who plans to either go into the medical or engineering field after school, said he was looking forward to travelling to Tunisia and being part of the festival.
Mologadi Motshele, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation said through the Eskom Expo, learners are inspired to explore critical local and global challenges by applying scientific inquiry to develop practical and forward-thinking solutions.
"By addressing issues such as plastic pollution and creative ideas to improve road maintenance and road safety, Hamzah and Vibhav are making meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future for our country.
"Eskom is proud to support and invest in the Eskom Expo initiative, ensuring that learners have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to transform their ideas into impactful innovations. More than just a platform for showcasing talent, the Eskom Expo is a flagship programme that equips young scientists with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change and build a better South Africa,” said Motshele.
Parthy Chetty, Eskom Expo executive director, said Ismail and Ramdas, who are exceptional young scientists, will make South Africa proud as they represent the country at this esteemed international science fair, showcasing their innovative research on a global platform.
"Their journey to this achievement was made possible through the invaluable support of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, which nurtures young minds in STEM. The performance of these learners locally highlights South Africa’s emerging scientific talent and underscores the impact of youth-driven innovation. Congratulations to these bright minds as they inspire future generations,” said Chetty.
The learners will be accompanied on the trip by Eskom Expo’s Dr Kenneth Kaunda Regional Science Fair Director, Sethato Lydia Maputle.
Registration to take part in the Eskom Expo 2025 is open. School pupils in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students (NCV Level 2–4) can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za