Mokgadi Ralefeta from the Capricorn Region shone brightly with his innovative project “Rim Reversary,” at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), earning recognition among South Africa’s top young scientists.
Mokgadi was one of four recipients of the prestigious Babcock NextGen Engineering Bursary Award at the ISF, which recognises outstanding young scientists with a passion for pursuing studies in Mechanical Engineering. During the awards ceremony, Babcock celebrated these remarkable learners for their potential, dedication, and the bright futures they represent in the field of engineering.
The bursary allows each recipient to pursue a qualification at any South African university and includes a high-end laptop to support their studies. Collectively, the four bursaries are valued at an impressive R5.2 million, underscoring Babcock’s commitment to developing the next generation of engineering talent.
Winning an award at the ISF, Ralefeta, a Grade 12 learner at Dendron High School described the experience as “a sign that the change I am fighting for will be obtained and that victory is just at the end of this dark tunnel I am in,” he said.
The ISF brought together hundreds of young scientists from across South Africa and the world, including participants from countries such as Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, India, Ireland, Russia, and Mexico, who presented groundbreaking research and competed for top honours in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics innovation (STEMI).
For Ralefeta, who was a Highly Commended certificate recipient at the ISF, the journey to this international stage has been anything but easy.
Coming from Ga-Mashalane, a small rural village on the outskirts of Bochum in Limpopo, his story is one of determination born from humble beginnings. “I am only a spark of light that illuminated from the darkest reaches of our small world,” he said. “My parents, brothers, and sisters have given their all and have lived for me. The thing that gets me up and grinding is my unflinching aim to better the lives of my people. As they have lived for me, it is my turn to live for them.”
Growing up in a family of nine supported by a modest income, Ralefeta’s pursuit of education has been powered by collective sacrifice. His community, teachers, and church members have all played a part in helping him reach his dreams. “Having to see their selfless acts to better my life germinated a spark within me,” he said.
Outside the classroom, Ralefeta is a multifaceted young man, a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer in community development programmes, and an avid artist and poet. He also helps with his family’s farming responsibilities, a role that has shaped his appreciation for hard work and sustainability.
His introduction to Eskom Expo was deeply personal and transformative. “I saw the Eskom Expo as an opportunity to express my deepest desire: to make a difference in the lives of my people,” he said. “The best moments came from creating my project, overcoming challenges, and interacting with other bright minds from across the world.”
Ralefeta’s passion for STEMI was born out of necessity and curiosity. “I come from a community where everything is broken, including electrical appliances,” he said. “To quench my never-ending hunger for change, I started fixing them, and that became an ongoing addiction to science, engineering, mathematics, and innovation.”
Looking ahead, he hopes his story inspires others in similar circumstances to rise above their environment. “Through my education success, I will serve as motivation in my community, not for the weak, but for those seeking the blinding light of success to make an immense change in others’ lives,” he said.
His message to aspiring young scientists is heartfelt: “Do your research on previous top-achieving projects and do your best to pass the bar they set. Lastly, do all of your best so that God does the rest,” he said.
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