A gold award at a regional science fair opened the way for Curro Secunda Grade 10 learner Briaana Lungu to take her research from Secunda to the 2026 Eskom Expo International Science Fair.

Briaana was one of 12 Curro Secunda learners who competed at the Gert Sibande Regional Science Fair at Ukhozi Lodge in August. Her project, Eco-Enzyme Revolution: Where plant power meets plastic pollution, earned gold and selection for the 2026 Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).

That selection placed her among 14 learners representing the Gert Sibande region at the ISF, with Briaana the only Curro Secunda learner on the official finalist list.

‘I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity. I am looking forward to sharing my project, learning from other young scientists and enjoying the experience,’ Briaana said ahead of the event.

From regional gold to Boksburg

Briaana’s gold came from a substantial regional field. The Gert Sibande fair brought together 251 learners presenting 192 projects. Only 19 gold medals were awarded across the competition.

From regional fairs around the country, 316 South African young scientists were ultimately selected for the ISF at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg from 29 September to 2 October.

For Briaana, that meant presenting and defending her work before judges alongside young scientists drawn from 35 Eskom Expo regions. Twenty-four international participants also joined the event in person or virtually.

Curro Secunda described her progression as ‘a wonderful achievement and an exciting opportunity for Briaana to showcase her passion for science and innovation while engaging with other young scientists’.

Plant power meets plastic pollution

Briaana’s project places plastic pollution at the centre of her investigation.

The title refers to eco-enzymes, a term generally used for fermented preparations made using organic material such as fruit or vegetable waste. Researchers have studied these preparations for several environmental applications, including their possible effects on some forms of plastic.

One project from a much larger field

Briaana’s route also gives some perspective on how selective the ISF is.

Across South Africa, 13,882 projects were presented at 287 district expos during 2026, with about 6,300 expected to progress to regional level. From there, 316 South African finalists reached the International Science Fair.

The ISF concluded on 2 October, with medals and special awards presented across the scientific categories. Briaana’s name does not appear among the published Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended recipients, and no 2026 ISF special award was found under her name. She completed the event as an ISF finalist representing Curro Secunda and the Gert Sibande region.

Her school had already summed up what reaching that stage meant before she left for Boksburg, ‘We are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication and wish you all the very best as you represent Curro Secunda and the Gert Sibande Region at this prestigious event.’