Simesihle and Melokuhle Khuzwayo will be travelling to India to represent South Africa at an international science symposium this month. Excited twins, Melokuhle and Simesihle Khuzwayo, from King Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma, will be representing South Africa at an international science symposium in India this month. It will be their first journey beyond South Africa’s borders and a milestone in their rapidly unfolding scientific endeavours that has already captured national attention.
The twins are among four South African learners selected to represent the country at the Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium, taking place in India from January 27 to 31, 2026. Their selection follows their outstanding performance at the2025 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair. Melokuhle and Simesihle will present a joint research project titled“Double Trouble, Double Solution: Neutralising acids and plastics with nature’s help”.
Their study demonstrated that banana peel and yeast extracts can reduce water acidity and remove visible microplastics as effectively and in some cases more effectively, than conventional chemical treatments. The findings point to an accessible, low-cost approach to improving water quality, particularly in resource-constrained communities. For Melokuhle, the opportunity is both professionally and personally significant.
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“This will be my first time travelling outside of South Africa, and I am extremely excited,” she said. “I feel very grateful to have been given such a rare and meaningful opportunity.” She added that the international exposure is a key motivation for the trip. “I hope to build friendships with students from other countries, learn about different cultures and languages, and gain exposure to different international projects. I am really looking forward to broadening my knowledge and exploring how other young people approach innovation.”
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