Pinelands learners to compete in Beijing Science Competition

20 March 2025

Two exceptional young innovators from Cape Town will showcase their research project on food waste management at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) after impressing judges at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).

Adam Gibbon and Christopher Collier-Reed, both Grade 12 learners at Pinelands High School, will present their research project, “Flies to the rescue: Innovating food waste management using Black Soldier fly larvae”. The duo earned gold medals in the Agricultural Sciences category at the Eskom Expo ISF last year.

Their project tackles global food waste by using Black Soldier Fly larvae to break down waste and produce valuable by-products. This innovative approach is simple, efficient and scalable - making it perfect for small-scale urban or large-scale industrial use. By providing an eco-friendly waste management solution with the potential to drive economic growth, this project supports South Africa's sustainability goals, while protecting the environment.

Also joining the group in China will be Samiya Waza, a Grade 12 learner at Umtata High School in Mthatha and Cady De Koker, a Grade 11 learner at Northern Cape High School in Kimberley. The competition will be held from 26 to 30 March 2025.

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “We are immensely proud to congratulate four outstanding young learners who will be representing South Africa at the prestigious science fair in China. 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!”