Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, a learner from Sitintile Secondary School, has been named the national winner of the prestigious competition, earning the honour of representing South Africa at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden this September.

His remarkable achievement was recently recognised by Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, during the tabling of the 2026/27 Policy and Budget Vote in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on Thursday, 18 June.

Nkosi’s journey to the national stage began with a research project aimed at addressing a growing environmental and public health concern: microplastic contamination in drinking water. According to the Department of Education, his innovative study investigates how plastic water containers and pipes release harmful microplastic particles and chemicals when exposed to heat and ultraviolet radiation.

In response to this challenge, Nkosi developed and tested a silicone-based elastomeric coating designed to form a protective barrier inside plastic containers. The innovation seeks to prevent harmful substances from leaching into drinking water, reducing potential health risks while contributing to safer and cleaner water for communities.

His research focuses on practical, science-based solutions to everyday challenges, demonstrating how young people can play a meaningful role in addressing environmental issues and improving public well-being.

The project first earned him top honours at the Provincial Innovation Challenge for the Water and Sanitation Competition before advancing to the national stage, where it impressed judges and secured him the coveted South African Youth Water Prize title.

Congratulating the young innovator, MEC Masina described Nkosi as a shining example of the talent and potential that exists within Mpumalanga’s schools.

“Sinenhlanhla’s success demonstrates that STEM education equips our learners with the skills to solve real-world challenges and positions them to become future leaders in innovation,” said Masina.

The South African Youth Water Prize encourages young people to develop innovative solutions to water-related challenges while promoting scientific research, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. The competition also exposes participants to bursary opportunities and career pathways in science, engineering, and environmental studies.

As he prepares for the international competition in Sweden later this year, Nkosi is set to make both Mpumalanga and South Africa proud through his remarkable achievement. 

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This is after they came out tops during the provincial competitions held in Middelburg last Thursday scooping the first prize with their innovation in the invention category. Second position went to Suikerland Secondary School from Malalane in Nkomazi Local Municipality and Skhila Secondary School from Lydenburg in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality came in third.

Jan Mabena from DWS outlined the purpose of the SAYWP stating that the main objective is to encourage learners to promote the protection of South Africa’s natural resource, encourage and empower the youth to participate in integrated and community-based water resource management, enhance interest of the youth and to expose them to science and technology, to motivate the youth to pursue careers in the water sector.

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The SAYWP has two categories, awareness and invention. The awareness category is basically a research project on an identified problem where learners recommend a solution and create awareness. The invention category is a research project on the identified problem whereby learners take action by developing a technical model or invention that can be used to solve the identified problem.

The Water and Sanitation Education Programme plays a vital role in raising awareness about water conservation, hygiene, and the impact of invasive alien plants. Additionally, it encourages learners to consider careers in the water sector, fostering long-term engagement in water and sanitation management. The programme is instrumental in promoting water literacy and instilling a culture of responsible water use within the public schooling system.

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