A NORTHERN Cape High School learner is preparing to represent Kimberley - and the country - on one of the biggest stages in global youth science.

Grade 11 learner Cady de Koker has been selected to compete at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) in China later this month, thanks to her research project that merges mathematics with medical science.

The competition will be held from March 26 to 30, hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

De Koker’s award-winning project, “A Mathematician’s Guide to Neuroscience: Classifying and diagnosing brain tumours using Fractal-analysis morphometrics”, uses fractal geometry to assist in the classification and diagnosis of brain tumours - a potential game-changer for global health-care systems grappling with misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Her project earned her a Gold medal and Senior Category win in Mathematics at last year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), which served as the gateway to her selection for the international competition.

Cady will be joined by three other brilliant young South Africans - one from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and two from Cape Town - all set to fly the flag high at the BYSCC.

A life-changing opportunity

“This is a life-changing opportunity,” said Mologadi Motshele, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation. “Eskom has proudly supported the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists for more than two decades, recognising it as a vital investment in developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

She added that learners like Cady demonstrate how STEM education can address real-world problems and open doors for South Africa’s youth.

“The growing pool of science and engineering graduates that Eskom helps to cultivate is not only beneficial to the organisation but also to the broader socio-economic development of South Africa,” said Motshele.

“The life-changing experience that these four young scientists will gain on the international stage will serve as inspiration for their peers, reinforcing the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and motivating more learners to strive for excellence.

“Through initiatives like the Eskom Expo, we are not just supporting individual learners, but also strengthening the country’s capacity for innovation and global competitiveness.”

Dedication, innovation, and passion for science

Parthy Chetty, executive director of the Eskom Expo, applauded the diversity of this year’s delegation: “It is admirable that two of the learners hail from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and Kimberley in the Northern Cape, which highlights the importance of giving learners from all provinces an equal opportunity to showcase their scientific innovations.”

Chetty praised the learners for their “dedication, innovation, and passion for science”, noting that it was these qualities that earned them the incredible opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage.

“We wish them great success as they inspire others and make our nation proud. May their journey be filled with learning, discovery, and well-deserved recognition. South Africa stands behind you – go shine!”

The 44th BYSCC is a platform for budding scientists from around the globe to showcase research and creativity, while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and scientific excellence.

Learners and students who want to follow in De Koker’s footsteps can begin working towards the next opportunity - registration for the 2025 Eskom Expo is now open. School learners from Grades 4 to 12, and TVET college students, are encouraged to submit their projects at www.exposcience.co.za.

Flying the flag for SA

The other three learners who will be joining Cady in China and representing South Africa at the BYSCC are:

Samiya Waza, a Grade 12 learner from Umtata High School in Mthatha, who developed Med-Net, an advanced hospital management system that uses AI, blockchain, and other technologies to improve health-care services.

Adam Gibbon and Christopher Collier-Reed, both Grade 12 learners from Pinelands High School in Cape Town, who created a food waste management system that uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to break down waste and produce useful by-products, offering a sustainable and scalable solution.

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