A Grade 10 learner from Tyger Valley College from the east of Pretoria has scooped up a gold medal at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC).
This competition was held from March 25–29 in Beijing, China, which saw Khushi Lall scoop the top prize for her research project titled Garlic: Nature’s Secret to Food Preservation.
Lall was part of the South African young scientists team, formed by several learners from different schools and provinces across the country.
The learners reflected on their achievements as both fulfilling and affirming, highlighting that the recognition received at the competition was a demonstration of their hard work and dedication.
They also emphasised the value of engaging with fellow participants from across the globe, gaining new perspectives and experiencing diverse cultures.
Her project was selected for its innovative investigation into natural, plant-based food preservation using garlic.
The research compared cultivation methods and extraction techniques of Indigenous Wild Garlic and its hybrid to evaluate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
The research also contributes to the growing field of plant-based antimicrobials and supports the development of sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives.
Lall described her achievement as surreal and a dream come true.
“I’m still pinching myself to see if it’s real. Being surrounded by talented individuals and innovative projects made me feel inspired and motivated, and to have my own project recognised with a gold medal is an honour I’m still trying to take in.”
According to Lall, meeting new people from across the globe and learning about their cultures was a truly eye-opening experience that she will never forget.
“To aspiring young scientists, I would advise conducting more research than you think is necessary, embracing constructive criticism, and making the most of the entire journey,” she said.
The participants were selected based on the scientific merit, relevance, and innovation demonstrated in their research projects at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), held in October 2025.
The team was supported by delegation leader Lekgabe Dihlabi, Eskom Expo Bethlehem Regional Science Fair Director, along with Tebalo Tsatsi from the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), and Professor Ken Nixon from the University of the Witwatersrand.
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 endeavour.
On behalf of Eskom, Acting CEO Mologadi Motshele extended heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional young scientists for their outstanding performance at the science fair.
“Their achievements are a powerful testament to how knowledge acquired in the classroom can be deepened through practical application at the Eskom Expo, and further elevated on global platforms where our learners compete among the very best in the world,” said Motshele.
“The expo continues to serve as a critical platform for nurturing research capabilities, fostering innovation, and enabling learners to develop solutions to real-world challenges, while gaining valuable international exposure.
“This success is a strong and encouraging indicator for our country, as we witness the next generation of scientists, researchers and engineers being cultivated in real time,” Motshele said.
Naftal Khoza, a Grade 10 learner from Ennerdale Secondary School, and Marlhuné Bezuidenhout, a Grade 10 learner from Hoërskool Secunda, each received silver medals.
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