Mokopane – Students from across Limpopo have been recognised for developing innovative, technology-based solutions to community challenges.
The prize-giving ceremony was held at the Nka’Thuto EduPropeller in Mokopane on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
The overall winner, Navi Bot, was named the Ultimate Techno Propeller 2026 for designing a robotic solution to support visually impaired individuals.
The device provides real-time navigation assistance to enhance safety, mobility, and independence.
Grade 11 learner from Radira Secondary School, Lefa Monyebudi, said the innovation was inspired by the belief that visual impairment should never limit a person’s freedom or dignity.
“Our goal is to offer more than just navigation assistance.
“We want to give visually impaired individuals confidence, safety, and independence through real-time guidance and care,” said Monyebudi.
Other category winners included Mogano Lekgwalwa, who received the Nka’Thuto Values Award, and the creators of Hydro Celestial Reaper, who won Best Pitch for their solar-powered atmospheric water harvester designed to produce clean drinking water.
Tshegofatso Mathiane received the Women Techno Award.
Prizes included certificates and trophies, while Navi Bot was awarded a drone.
The prize-giving ceremony marked the conclusion of a year-long innovation journey under the Nka’Thuto EduPropeller Techno-Preneurship Bootcamp, during which learners were mentored to identify real-world problems and develop practical solutions.
Founded in 2017, the initiative has created more than 100 000 opportunities for young people nationwide, with a strong focus on underserved communities.
This year, 22 high school learners successfully completed the programme, which is supported by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Ponahalo De Beers Trust.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, addressed the event attended by parents and other stakeholders.
Deputy Minister Gina described the Nka’Thuto EduPropellor programme as a critical intervention in strengthening youth innovation and revitalising the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) pipeline, particularly in under-resourced communities.
“This prize-giving ceremony demonstrates what is possible when young people are equipped with the skills, mentorship, and support to develop solutions to challenges in their communities,” said Dr. Gina.
She emphasised the importance of mathematics and science as foundations for participation in a rapidly changing, technology-driven global economy, commending Nka’Thuto for its efforts in the communities.
“The future lies in mathematics and science. These subjects open doors to the careers of today and tomorrow, and success is possible with discipline, hard work, and encouragement,” the Deputy Minister said.
Dr. Gina noted the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Basic Education and the DSTI to strengthen participation in mathematics and science from an early age, as part of efforts to secure long-term access to post-school education in science-based fields.
Commending Nka’Thuto EduPropeller, she highlighted its contribution to guiding young people towards STEM-related career pathways through innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development.
Nka’Thuto Co-founder, Thandeka Mhlanga, said that the achievements reflect strong innovation, practical problem-solving, and the ability to translate ideas into relevant technology-driven solutions.
“We need to find ways to make sure that innovation is inclusive; it does not leave the previously disadvantaged communities outside. So this is one thing we have adopted to make sure we do just that,” said Mhlanga
Also supporting the initiative alongside Dr. Gina, Limpopo MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya, also praised the initiative and congratulated the learners for their perseverance, underscoring the value of strengthened collaboration between the Departments of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Basic Education.
