Four exceptional learners represent South Africa at WISPO in Bali

Four young scientists are set to showcase their award-winning innovations at the World Innovative Science Project Olympiad (WISPO) in Bali, Indonesia.

The learners, all Gold medal winners at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), include Dzunisa Chauke, in Grade 12 at Khanyisa Education Centre (Mopani); Milla Vorster, in Grade 11 at Curro Durbanville (Stellenbosch); Ismaail (Miles) Hassen, in Grade 11 at Greenside High School (Johannesburg); and Albertus Willem (Wium) van Niekerk, in Grade 10 at Paul Roos Gymnasium (Stellenbosch).

The learners will travel under the guidance of delegation leader Jane Wasonga, Eskom Expo Johannesburg Regional Science Fair Director, which is set to take place from 10 to 13 December.

Chauke will showcase his research project entitled "Synthetic vs non-synthetic voices". He developed a fast, offline and highly accurate voice-classification system capable of distinguishing human voices from AI-generated synthetic audio. Using MFCCs, chroma analysis and a Random Forest model, his system addresses urgent cybersecurity risks linked to AI-driven impersonation and fraud.

His project was selected for its relevance to global digital security threats and its strong technical execution. Vorster is set to exhibit her research project entitled "The Organic Palette: Bioprinting Vascularized Organs", which tackles one of regenerative medicine's greatest challenges: producing vascularized tissues via 3D bioprinting.

Hassen will spotlight his research project entitled "Design and Evaluation of Walk-Man: A Wearable Assistive Device for Enhanced Navigation in Individuals with Visual Impairment".

Van Niekerk will showcase his research project entitled: "In vitro growth inhibition of Penicillium digitatum by lavender oil", which explored whether lavender essential oil could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides used in citrus production."

His project was chosen for its scientific depth and agricultural relevance. The Olympiad is an international science fair held annually in Indonesia, organised by the Indonesia Scientific Society (ISS), and brings together young scientists from around the world to showcase their research, innovation, and scientific projects.

Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Mologadi Motshele said: "With a keen recognition of the pivotal role of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) in South Africa's development, Eskom urges the active participation of young people in these fields, as they are the future of the nation's progress and prosperity. By developing a strong pathway of skilled and enthusiastic scientists and innovators through the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we can build a more promising future for South Africa."

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty said, "South Africa proudly sends four exceptional learners to the International Science Fair in Indonesia. We congratulate them for their curiosity, dedication, and innovative spirit, and wish them every success as they showcase South African talent on the global stage."

Education MEC David Maynier congratulated the learners: "We wish our learners the very best as they head off to the World Olympiad next week! International events like these showcase the outstanding scientific talent we have in our province, and drive interest in the scientific fields that are vital to economic growth."

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