Pretoria: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to rally behind 17-year-old Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, as he prepares to represent the country at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) in Sweden later this month. Sinenhlanhla, a Grade 11 learner at Sitintile Secondary School in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, made history as the first learner from the province to win the department's flagship 2026 South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP).
According to South African Government News Agency, Sinenhlanhla now has an opportunity to earn international recognition through the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People's Choice Award, where members of the public can vote for his project online. The South African Youth Water Prize is an annual DWS programme that encourages learners in Grades 9 to 11 to develop innovative, science-based solutions to real water challenges affecting their schools and communities. Over the years, the competition has nurtured some of the country's brightest young minds and provided a platform for future scientists, engineers, and environmental leaders.
Nkosi secured the national title with his project, "The Sentinel Barrier", an innovative silicone-based elastomeric coating applied to the interior of PET plastic bottles. The invention helps prevent microplastics and harmful chemicals from leaching into drinking water, offering a practical solution to some of the biggest environmental and public health concerns. As South Africa's representative, Sinenhlanhla will compete alongside some of the world's most promising young scientists at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in a few weeks, competing against students from more than 30 countries, all sharing their passion for water and environmental issues.
The department has encouraged members of the public to support Sinenhlanhla by voting for his project in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People's Choice Award. 'Every vote is a vote of confidence in a young South African whose innovation and determination have taken him from a classroom in Mpumalanga to one of the world's most respected science platforms,' the department said.
Members of the public can cast their votes by visiting the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People's Choice Award web page: https://stockholmwaterfoundation.org/stockholm-junior-water-prize/peoples-choice-award/. Select Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi's project, "Barrier coatings for reducing microplastic release and chemical leaching in plastic containers" and then submit your vote. Voting is open until 15 August 2026.
