Port Rex Technical High School has been named the top-performing school in the region after two of its young innovators achieved outstanding results at the annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists regional competition.
The competition was held at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu on August 15, bringing together young scientists and innovators from across the region to showcase research and engineering projects aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
Representing Port Rex were grade 11 pupil Milani Mjiji, 17, and grade 10 pupil Ahluma Vumazonke, 16, who both walked away with gold medals and special recognition awards for their respective projects.
Leeran Goosen, head of the science department at Port Rex Technical High School, said the road to the regional fair was intense and involved rigorous technical challenges, but the pupils embraced the research process.
“While the road to the regional fair was intense and filled with rigorous technical challenges, the participants thoroughly enjoyed the immersive research process,” Goosen said.
“The experience pushed our learners to stretch their capabilities, transforming a highly demanding workload into a deeply satisfying journey of scientific discovery.”
Mjiji competed in the Chemistry and Biochemistry category with a comparative study investigating the water purification properties of moringa seeds and pineapple peels.
Goosen said Mjiji’s project represented three years of meticulous development and was sparked by her curiosity about the environmental and health hazards associated with chemical coagulants compared with organic alternatives.
“Recognising a distinct gap in the market for sustainable water treatment solutions, she set out to scientifically prove the efficacy and purification capabilities of natural alternatives,” Goosen said.
Mjiji initially focused her research on moringa seeds before expanding it to include pineapple peel as another accessible organic coagulant.
Her research journey was supported by physical sciences teacher Daisy John, who provided guidance and mentorship throughout the development of the project.
Goosen said securing resources and locating suitable testing laboratories presented significant obstacles.
“Mrs John successfully identified alternative experimental methods and established vital contacts with professional laboratories,” Goosen said.
Mjiji also had to balance her research and water sampling with schoolwork, homework and extracurricular commitments, requiring careful time management.
Her dedication paid off when she received a gold medal and special recognition in the Chemistry and Biochemistry category.
She was also awarded a bursary from Rhodes University to pursue any degree within the faculty of science.
Goosen described the bursary as “an incredible honour and an immense milestone” in Mjiji’s academic journey.
Mjiji’s ultimate goal is to study microbiology and continue developing research into sustainable science and practical environmental solutions.
Meanwhile, Vumazonke competed in the Energy category with a functional power-generating trailer designed to convert kinetic energy into usable electricity.
Goosen explained that as the trailer moves, rotational kinetic energy generated by its wheels is captured and transferred to an onboard generator.
The generator converts the kinetic force into electricity, which is then channelled through a control circuit and stored in a battery system.
Vumazonke was inspired by the country’s ongoing energy challenges and the need for mobile, decentralised power resources.
“Recognising that vast amounts of kinetic energy are completely lost and dissipated during everyday commuting and transport, he sought a way to capture this wasted environmental energy,” Goosen said.
The grade 10 pupil applied knowledge from his electrical technology studies to develop the prototype, using principles including electromagnetic induction, circuit design and voltage regulation.
Senior electrical technology teacher Stuart Harding provided technical mentorship, while Goosen and Molo supported the project’s development through reviewing, facilitating and providing critical feedback.
Goosen said the achievements of both pupils demonstrated their commitment to using science to address pressing challenges facing the country.
“Instead of choosing comfortable, purely theoretical topics, both learners deliberately chose to confront South Africa’s most pressing crises, water scarcity and energy instability,” she said.
She added that their success reflected scientific maturity, resilience and the ability to turn complex concepts into practical solutions.
For Port Rex, the regional achievement was further strengthened by being named the top-performing school in the region.
Goosen said the accolade validated the school’s approach to integrating classroom theory, particularly physical sciences and electrical technology, with practical research and engineering.
It also reinforced the school’s culture of innovation and its history of science expo achievements, while recognising the dedication of pupils and educators.
Goosen encouraged aspiring young innovators to embrace Port Rex’s motto, Mente et Manu, “With Mind and Hand”, by combining theoretical knowledge with practical action.
She urged pupils to identify problems facing their communities, embrace trial and error, not fear failure and seek mentorship from teachers and other experts.
“Platforms like the Eskom Expo are not just competitions; they are gateways to your future.”
