By 
İZMİR, TÜRKIYE — South African school learners have made a remarkable impact on the global stage, securing top honors at the 1923 International Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Fair (IMSEF) held in İzmir, Türkiye, from 1 to 6 June 2026. Leading the nation’s success is 15-year-old Rorisang Mohau Mohlobuli from Bloemfontein, who earned international acclaim for his breakthrough research in mathematics.
A Mathematical Milestone
Mohlobuli, a Grade 9 learner at Hoërskool Bloemfontein in the Free State, claimed Second Place and a Silver medal in the Mathematics category. His project, titled “Quantifying Goldbach: An Analysis of Prime Pairs,” tackled advanced mathematical concepts by developing a model to estimate prime pairs associated with Goldbach’s Conjecture. By applying analytical modeling and unique correction factors, his research significantly improved predictive accuracy over existing approaches.
“It felt amazing,” Mohlobuli reflected on his achievement. “A lot of hard work went into my project, so having it recognised at an international competition is something I couldn’t be prouder of.” Beyond the rigorous competition, the young scientist noted that exploring the ancient city of Ephesus and participating in the event’s Cultural Night were major highlights of his journey.
Gold Medals in Engineering and Chemistry
The South African delegation, led by Eskom Expo Ekurhuleni Regional Science Fair Director Palesa Selepe, showcased immense talent across multiple disciplines. The country’s other two representatives both walked away with top honors:
- Connor Kinnes (17): The Grade 11 learner from Elkanah House High School in Cape Town won First Place, a Gold medal, and the prestigious Best Project in Engineering award for his innovative work, “Project Pathfinder: Design and Optimisation of a Static Test Rocket Motor.”
- Joshua Danilatos (18): A Grade 11 learner from Graeme College in Makhanda, Danilatos secured First Place and a Gold medal in the Chemistry category for his environmental study, “Catch-and-Release in a Warming Climate: Effects on Reflex Impairment and Stress in Rhabdosargus holubi.”
Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovators
Parthy Chetty, Executive Director of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, praised the learners, stating that their success underscores the immense value of sustained investment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
“Their success highlights the exceptional talent in South African schools and underlines the value of national platforms like the Eskom Expo, where young people can pursue scientific inquiry and present their ideas on the global stage,” Chetty noted.
Aspiring young researchers looking to follow in these footsteps can currently register for the Eskom Expo District Expos, which are underway nationwide. Registration is open to school learners in Grades 4 to 12, as well as TVET students, via the official Eskom Expo website.
