Khushi Lall's project titled “Garlic: Nature’s Secret to Food Preservation” will be presented in China
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Three South African Grade 10 learners will represent the country at the 2025 Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) in China, where they will present research addressing key challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability and food safety.
The event is scheduled to take place from Wednesday until Sunday at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. The learners were selected based on the scientific merit, relevance and innovation of projects showcased at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair, held in October 2025.
The participants are Marlhuné Bezuidenhout, 15, from Hoërskool Secunda in Mpumalanga; Naftal Khoza, 15, from Ennerdale Secondary School in Johannesburg; and Khushi Lall, 16, from Tyger Valley College in Pretoria.
Marlhuné Bezuidenhout will present her research project titled “Pasture-based sheep farming system: Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the implications for livestock, lambing rates, growth margins and human health” in China
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Bezuidenhout will present her research project titled “Pasture-based sheep farming system: Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the implications for livestock, lambing rates, growth margins and human health.” The study provided a systematic evaluation of environmental exposure under real farming conditions, demonstrating a rigorous methodology while addressing an often-overlooked risk factor in livestock production systems.
Khoza’s project titled “Evaluating the phytoremediation potential of alien invasive plant species for the removal of heavy metal and nutrient contaminants from soil.” focuses on the use of alien invasive plant species for phytoremediation, assessing their ability to remove heavy metals and nutrient contaminants from soil. His research compares invasive and native plant species under controlled conditions to measure tolerance, growth performance and contaminant reduction.
Lall's project titled “Garlic: Nature’s Secret to Food Preservation” compared cultivation methods and extraction techniques of Indigenous Wild Garlic and its hybrid to evaluate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The project contributes to the development of plant-based alternatives to synthetic food preservatives.
The South African delegation will be led by Lekgabe Dihlabi, Eskom Expo Bethlehem Regional Science Fair director, and includes Tebalo Tsatsi of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement and Professor Ken Nixon from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Naftal Khoza will present his project in China that focuses on the use of alien invasive plant species for phytoremediation, assessing their ability to remove heavy metals and nutrient contaminants from soil.
Image: Supplied
The BYSCC is one of the world’s leading science competitions for young researchers, providing a platform for learners to present innovative solutions to global challenges while engaging with peers from around the world. The 45th event, hosted at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to promote the advancement of youth scientific and technological endeavours.
Mologadi Motshele, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, said through its support of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Eskom helps create opportunities for learners to develop their research skills and pursue futures in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
"We encourage our learners to make the most of this incredible opportunity, to ask questions, share their ideas and absorb as much knowledge as possible from fellow participants. We wish them well as they proudly represent South Africa on the international stage,” said Motshele.