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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Learners from schools across the district gathered at Hoërskool Outeniqua on Saturday 1 August for the 2026 Eden Karoo Regional Science Fair, where they presented their research projects in a variety of scientific fields.

PHOTO GALLERY - Young scientists flock to Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair 2026

Among the standout performers from George were York High's Teagan Bothma (Grade 10) and Zurufaa Zame and Kuyintando Brown (Grade 10), as well as Hoërskool Outeniqua's Heinrich Conradie (Grade 12).

Gold medals were awarded to Nina Strydom (Grade 11), Izelke Conradie and Sarai Roos (both Grade 11), as well as Jonathan van Wyk (Grade 12) of Punt High School in Mossel Bay.

Everyone who earned gold medals qualify to represent the Eden Karoo region at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair later this year.

Gold medal winner Jonathan van Wyk (Grade 12) of Point High and his brother, Christopher of Laerskool Park. With Jonathan's device, an electric car can enhance its performance by self-generating electricity. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

From Oudtshoorn, Jula Meyer (Grade 7) of King's College and Ferlin Storm and Caleb Muller (both Grade 10) of Morester High School were also among the gold medallists. Linanathi Koyana (Grade 10) of Murray High School in Plettenberg Bay completed the list of gold medal winners.

Gold medal winner Heinrich Conradie (Grade 12) of Hoërskool Outeniqua shows his unmanned ground vehicle developed to collect data in places like mines.

The projects on display included devices designed to monitor noise levels in classrooms, generate electricity and detect toxic gases in the environment.

The visitors had the opportunity to browse the exhibits and speak to the learners about their research, while the participants showcased their ideas and explained the development of their projects.

The projects covered a broad range of topics, from environmental and health-related issues to engineering, technology and everyday problem-solving. It was interesting to see the different approaches the learners had taken to their research and to hear them explain the thinking behind their ideas.

Following the judging process, 10 gold, 7 silver and 17 bronze medals were awarded to projects that met the required standards.

Many local learners were also awarded bronze medals for their projects. They are Khanyisa Manzi (Grade 10, Thembalethu High), Lunika Hoza and Luminathi Bekwa (Grade 7, MM Mateza Primary), Qhawekazi Mabhele and Isamkele Sompu (Grade 7, Thembalethu Primary), Alunamida Sobayen and Lisakhanya Oliphant (Grade 7, Thembalethu Primary), Iyeviwa Mgiwu (Grade 8, York High), Chanle Dicks-Benz and Abigail Jade Chetty (Grade 7, Dellville Park Primary), and Tatum Claasen and Peyton Kleinsmith (Grade 7, Dellville Park Primary).

Gold medal winners

Timukudze Hove (Grade 7, Hornlee Primary School)
Heinrich Conradie (Grade 12, Outeniqua High School)
Nina Strydom (Grade 11, Punt High School)
Izelke Conradie and Sarai Roos (Grade 11, Punt High School)
Jula Meyer (Grade 7, King's College OB)
Jonathan van Wyk (Grade 12, Punt High School)
Linanathi Koyana (Grade 10, Murray High School)
Ferlin Storm and Caleb Muller (Grade 10, Morester High School)
Zurufaa Zame and Kuyintando Brown (Grade 10, York High School)
Teagan Bothma (Grade 10, York High School)

Silver medal winners

Ishawn Scholtz (Grade 10, Bridgton Secondary School)
Zian Conradie (Grade 8, Punt High School)
Jade Quose and Taydene Swartbooi (Grade 10, Bridgton Secondary School)
Siba Onalena Tsehla (Grade 8, King's College OB)
Angel Zvamarewa (Grade 11, Murray High School)
Ivile Ncanywa (Grade 10, Murray High School)
Amyoli Williams (Grade 10, Murray High School)

Bronze medal winners

Khanyisa Manzi (Grade 10, Thembalethu High School)
Brannay Hoogbaard (Grade 10, Bridgton Secondary School)
Amkelisiwe Gqirana (Grade 11) and Singalakha Gqirana (Grade 9), Murray High School
Demi Walker and Lizel Lottering (Grade 7, John D Crawford Primary School)
Lunika Hoza and Luminathi Bekwa (Grade 7, MM Mateza Primary School)
Joshua Plaaitjies and Ziyaan Williams (Grade 7, John D Crawford Primary School)
Qhawekazi Mabhele and Isamkele Sompu (Grade 7, Thembalethu Primary School)
Inathi Santu (Grade 10) and Luminathi Lukwe (Grade 9), Murray High School
Ntandokazi Gxothiwe and Sinobomi Handile (Grade 7, MM Mateza Primary School)
Alunamida Sobayen and Lisakhanya Oliphant (Grade 7, Thembalethu Primary School)
Ahlumile Xelithole (Grade 6) and Khayone Moeletsi (Grade 7), KwaNokuthula Primary School
Iyeviwa Mgiwu (Grade 8, York High School)
Lamila Zazini (Grade 10, Murray High School)
Limani Mapuma (Grade 10, Murray High School)
Haily Pietersen (Grade 12, Aurial College)
Chanle Dicks-Benz and Abigail Jade Chetty (Grade 7, Dellville Park Primary School)
Tatum Claasen and Peyton Kleinsmith (Grade 7, Dellville Park Primary School)

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