At just 15 years old, Potchefstroomborn Orefemetse Kholagano Seleke, a Redwood College learner, is already thinking far beyond the classroom.

The young innovator has developed an app designed to make information easier for people to access, while allowing websites to simplify the way users find important information.

For Orefemetse, this is only the beginning of what he hopes will become a much bigger journey.

His academic achievements have already set him apart. In 2024, he participated in an international Cambridge University survey involving 250 000 learners from around the world.

Orefemetse achieved an impressive 100% in each of the seven subjects he completed, including challenging fields such as quantum physics, robotics and pure mathematics.

His outstanding results soon attracted attention, with XGlobal approaching him and offering to work with him to help develop and shape his ideas.

For his mother, Monica Seleke, however, Orefemetse’s achievements are not simply about marks and accolades; they are about nurturing a young mind that is constantly curious.

“He has extraordinary ideas and skills,” Monica said.

She explained that Orefemetse initially experienced some difficulty with word building at school, prompting the family to encourage him to read more.

“Once he started reading, he refused to stop,” she said.

Today, reading has become one of his greatest passions. Monica said her son is constantly learning and sometimes tackles books running to 4 000 pages.

His appetite for knowledge has even inspired him to start writing a book of his own.

Despite his intense focus on learning, Monica said Orefemetse maintains a balanced life and still makes time for the things he enjoys.

“He is very creative and he does not think like a child,” she said.

According to Monica, her son enjoys negotiating, thrives when he is challenged and is always willing to take on something new.

“I am sometimes shocked by what my son can do. It is hard to believe the amount of knowledge he has for someone his age,” she said.

Orefemetse’s next major opportunity is already on the horizon.

In January 2027, he is set to begin a learnership programme with Google as part of an acceleration programme. He was selected for the opportunity because of the app he has developed.

While technology, science and business occupy much of his time, Orefemetse still finds room for some traditional teenage passions. He enjoys playing soccer, although he has never taken the sport too seriously, and also enjoys a game of chess.