A Grade 10 pupil from Hoërskool Stellenbosch introduced residence a gold medal from the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology, just lately held in Tunisia.
According to Eskom, Nicolaas Steenkamp was amongst a bunch of South African pupils who excelled at the occasion. Nathan Moolman, a Grade 11 pupil from Leeuwenhof Akademie in Gauteng, received a silver medal, whereas Diya Zacaria, a Grade 11 learner from The High School for Girls Potchefstroom, secured bronze.
Nicolaas obtained gold for his analysis undertaking titled “Evaluating the impact of reinforcement strategies on learning efficiency and adaptability in Q-learning algorithms.”
His research explores how totally different reinforcement methods have an effect on the educational efficiency of synthetic intelligence programs, utilizing a computational mannequin educated to play the sport Hexapawn.
He described the achievement as “incredibly rewarding.”
“It reassured me that what I was doing was interesting not just to me, but also meaningful to others,” he stated. The spotlight was going to the totally different heritage websites and studying in regards to the wealthy historical past of Tunisia. I used to be pleasantly stunned to understand simply how numerous South Africa is compared to another international locations.”
Participants had been chosen based mostly on the scientific advantage, relevance and innovation demonstrated of their initiatives at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair, held in October 2025.
Eskom Development Foundation performing chief government Mologadi Motshele congratulated the learners on their achievements.
“Their achievements are a powerful testament to how knowledge acquired in the classroom can be deepened through practical application at the Eskom Expo and further elevated on global platforms,” she stated.
The crew travelled underneath the steering of delegation chief Anina Nel, Eskom Expo Welkom regional science fair director.
Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier additionally congratulated Nicolaas.
“This is an excellent achievement for Nicolaas, his college and his province in a discipline that’s important to our economic system. He has set a fantastic instance for different learners within the Western Cape to comply with, and we will’t wait to see what he’ll go on to attain on this discipline sooner or later,” Mr Maynier stated.
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