The year 2009 was a landmark one for the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, as its students delivered an extraordinary performance at the prestigious Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. From regional to national level, their scientific curiosity, innovative thinking, and months of hard work paid off handsomely.

At the Cape Town regional leg, held at the MTN Science Centre, 23 learners showcased 16 thought-provoking projects. The results were nothing short of outstanding: five projects won gold medals, one earned a silver, and two took home bronze. Among the standout entries were “Gardening with Rubble” by Hanim Schroeder and Tanduxolo Nguza, “Global Cooling with SO₂” by Chad Levendal and Chevaan Patience, and “Township Geyser” by Joshua Fodor and Yaghia Mitchell – each receiving regional gold and advancing to the national stage in Pretoria.

The national finals were highly competitive, with only 50 gold medals up for grabs across all provinces. Yet, Cape Academy students held their own, earning major accolades. Joshua and Yaghia’s innovative “Township Geyser” not only clinched a gold medal but also won them each a notebook laptop, along with the Best Innovation Award and the Best Energy Saving Device Award. Jenaide Peters and Sixolisiwe Dlabantu’s project on “Water Hyacinth” won silver, while teams behind “Global Cooling with SO₂” and “Gardening with Rubble” secured bronze.

This marked the first time the Cape Academy participated at a national level in the Expo – and their success made a lasting impression. Their collective effort reflects a culture of excellence, where late nights and detailed experimentation translated into national recognition.

With projects addressing environmental sustainability, energy innovation, and agricultural solutions, these young scientists proved that the next generation of South African innovators is more than ready to rise to the challenge. As the school looks forward to surpassing this success in 2010, the 2009 Expo remains a milestone of academic pride and potential.