Pic: Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi displaying his accolades
By Kopano Dibakwane
“His success demonstrates that when young people are empowered and supported, they become active contributors towards building a safer, healthier and more sustainable future for all.”
This sentiment was proudly expressed by Mpumalanga Department of Education congratulating a young learner, Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, a learner from Sitintile Secondary School in Kanyamazane, within the City of Mbombela, whose innovation is about to change the world.
Sinenhlanhla was crowned the 2026 SAYWP(South African Youth Water Prize) National Winner, and following his remarkable achievement at national level, he will represent South Africa at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition in Stockholm, Sweden, in August 2026.
It has not been an easy ride for Sinenhlanhla who had to first distinguish himself by winning the Provincial Innovation Challenge for the Water and Sanitation Competition, where he demonstrated exceptional scientific spark and commitment towards addressing pressing environmental challenges.
The Department of Education in Mpumalanga said through science, technology and environmental stewardship, the competition empowers learners to develop sustainable solutions for water-related challenges while nurturing the next generation of leaders in the water sector.
The South African Youth Water Prize is said to continue to inspire young people to become solution-driven innovators in a water-scarce country like South Africa.
“ Sinenhlanhla’s groundbreaking project focuses on reducing microplastic contamination in water caused by the degradation of plastic water containers and pipes when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and heat. The innovation project explores the design and testing of a silicone-based elastomeric coating that acts as a protective barrier inside plastic containers.
“The coating prevents the release of harmful microplastic particles and endocrine-disrupting chemicals into water, thereby reducing health risks such as infections and other related illnesses among consumers,” said the Department of Education.
Additionally, the Department said Sinenhlanhla uses glass containers as a baseline control, and the project scientifically evaluates whether the coating can effectively reduce chemical leaching and microplastic migration under simulated UV and heat stress conditions.
“ The Place of the Rising Sun of commends Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, his educators, parents and the entire Sitintile Secondary School community for this outstanding accomplishment. Beyond the honour of representing South Africa internationally, participants in the competition are also afforded opportunities for comprehensive bursaries linked to water and environmental studies,” said the Department of Education.Caption: Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi displaying his accolades
