Banana peel brilliance lands twin sisters full Eskom bursaries

Pupils' work produce concept to neutralise wastewater

- By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane

Twin sisters Melokuhle and Simesihle Khuzwayo of Nongoma, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, have proven that innovation can sprout even from something as mundane as a banana peel.

The Grade 12 pupils from King Bhekuzulu High School impressed judges at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair with their project, "Double Trouble Double Solution: Neutralising Acid & Plastics with Nature's Help".

Their eco-driven research used banana peels and yeast to create an autolysed biomass extract (ABE) capable of neutralising acidic wastewater and removing microplastics. The experiment, inspired by a change in the colour of leaves in their home garden, began as a curiosity but evolved into a groundbreaking environmental solution for rural communities.

"Being recognised nationally and internationally at the Eskom Expo is the best feeling ever," said Melokuhle. "It shows that our hard work paid off and that our research can have an impact in the future."