Two students from the Western Cape have earned international recognition at the prestigious İzmir International Innovation Science Energy Engineering Fair (IISEEF) in Türkiye, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Thiedu Du Preez and Aadil Dawood were awarded medals for their innovative research projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Thiedu Du Preez wins silver medal for wound healing research
Thiedu Du Preez (17) from Vredenburg High School in South Africa, received a silver medal for his project, ‘Seal to Heal: Economical Natural Alternatives for Wound Healing’. Du Preez’s research focuses on finding natural alternatives to chemical solutions for wound care, aiming to prevent infection and promote healing. His achievement not only highlights his individual effort but also represents the pride of his school, hometown and South Africa.
Du Preez shared his excitement after receiving the silver medal: ‘It was an incredibly proud moment for me to walk onto the stage, collect my Silver medal, and hold the South African flag high with immense pride. While it’s a personal achievement, it’s also a shared success for Eskom Expo, my hometown, my school, and South Africa. The experience at the IISEEF was fascinating, with diverse projects addressing everyday issues. Meeting young scientists from around the world and learning about their cultures was truly a highlight.’
Du Preez encourages other students to explore science and engineering, offering this advice: ‘Correct the problem, and you’ll see that problems can be easily fixed through science. The world needs a new generation of scientists with creative minds to solve problems based on research skills, which is a new way of thinking.’
Aadil Dawood wins bronze medal for exercise physiology research
Aadil Dawood (17) from Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town received a bronze medal at the IISEEF for his project, ‘Spectro-metrical Analysis of Urinary Metabolic By-products Forming as a Result of Exercise’. Dawood’s research explores the impact of exercise on the human body at a molecular level, specifically analysing how exercise affects urine metabolites and overall health.
‘It feels incredible to win a Bronze medal at the IISEEF. Being part of such an event is something I’ll always remember,’ said Dawood. ‘The IISEEF was a lot of fun. Meeting people from different countries and sharing ideas was inspiring. I enjoyed the well-organized activities, and experiencing the culture in Izmir—seeing historic sites, trying local food, and learning about traditions—was really special.’
Eskom Expo’s support for South African young scientists
The IISEEF gathered over 143 young scientists from 10 countries, offering a platform to showcase STEM innovations in categories such as Physics, Biology and more. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, which supported Du Preez and Dawood’s participation, plays a key role in empowering South Africa’s youth to solve future global challenges.
Mologadi Motshele, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, congratulated Du Preez and Dawood on their impressive accomplishments: ‘Eskom is proud and congratulates Aadil and Thiedu for successfully representing South Africa at IISEEF in Türkiye. Their research projects are advancing our understanding of exercise physiology and highlighting the potential of natural ingredients in wound healing. These young scientists are unlocking exciting possibilities to solve societal problems.’
Motshele emphasised Eskom’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s skills pipeline through initiatives like the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. ‘Through this programme, Eskom actively supports the national priority of developing skilled scientists, fostering critical research skills, and providing global platforms for innovation.’
Inspiring future generations of scientists
Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty praised the achievements of Du Preez and Dawood, calling them an inspiration to the next generation of innovators: ‘We are thrilled to celebrate these young scientists who have earned international recognition for their hard work, creativity, and dedication. Their groundbreaking ideas serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering curiosity and critical thinking in education. By investing in STEM, we empower future generations to solve the world’s most pressing problems and build a brighter, more sustainable future.’
Chetty urged young dreamers to continue exploring, experimenting, and pursuing their scientific passions. ‘The world needs your brilliance, and through STEM education, we can tackle global challenges together.’
Conclusion
Thiedu Du Preez and Aadil Dawood’s success at the IISEEF not only highlights their personal achievements but also positions South Africa as a growing hub for innovation in science and technology. Their groundbreaking projects demonstrate the power of STEM education in shaping the future and solving real-world problems, making them shining examples for future generations of young scientists.
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