CRADOCK NEWS - Seventeen-year-old Buhle Hlonela Goniwe, a learner from JA Calata Senior Secondary School in Lingelihle, Nxuba (Cradock), is making his hometown proud in more than one field.
His latest achievement is a silver medal in the agriculture category at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), held from 6 to 10 October at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.
The competition brought together the brightest young scientists from South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, India and Russia.
Goniwe’s innovative project explored how plants can be grown without soil, using organic, nutrient-rich solutions instead – a sustainable method that could transform agriculture in water-scarce areas.
Eskom Expo spokesperson Jevanne Gibbs praised the finalists, saying they “represent the country’s top young scientists who demonstrate exceptional talent and passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation”.
A total of 30 gold, 77 silver, and 131 bronze medals were awarded during the grand ceremony.
Eskom Expo executive director Parthy Chetty congratulated participants, encouraging them to keep asking questions and exploring. "Your ideas matter,” she told them.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Goniwe is also a model and pageant titleholder, having been crowned Mr Tourism SA and Mr Junior King of the World 2025.
Earlier this year, he also won a gold medal at a regional Eskom Expo event and received a R64 000 bursary from Rhodes University, where he plans to study in 2026.
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