A teen from Refilwe Ext 5 in Cullinan recently took part in the Icebreaker of Knowledge competition, earning the opportunity to travel to the Arctic aboard the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory.
Fourteen-year-old Ntsako Sithole’s love for mathematics, science and history has opened doors to a future he once may not have imagined.
His older sister, Emely Rose, said Ntsako’s passion for science began during his primary school years, where he developed a reputation as a bright learner who enjoyed challenging himself.
“He has always been a bright kid and a massive math and science nerd,” she said.
Ntsako’s interest in nuclear energy was initially sparked by his fascination with World War history.
Image: Supplied.
According to Emely, he spent hours watching history videos and reading at the library, where he first learned about the origins of nuclear energy.
However, discovering the potential of nuclear technology to generate clean energy changed the way he viewed the field.
“He loves knowing how things work. He’s a deeply curious kid,” Emely said.
She stated that the opportunity to participate in the expedition came after she discovered the competition in a group chat for South African students studying abroad.
“I shared the information with Ntsako, knowing about his passion for science and his long-standing interest in visiting Russia. Despite being told that only one South African participant would be selected, Ntsako remained determined,” she said.
Emily mentioned that when her brother found out about the competition, “He was so excited from the very first stage, he acted like he had already won it”.
Image: Supplied.
When the family learned that Ntsako had been selected, the excitement was quickly followed by the practical challenges of arranging international travel for a minor including logistics, costs involved, and organising medical and legal paperwork.
His former mathematics teacher, Mina Semole Masoga, stepped in to assist the family with the travel arrangements and accompanied Ntsako throughout the journey.
Emely said the experience had a profound impact on her younger brother, changing the way he viewed his future and what was possible for him.
The expedition also helped him develop a clearer career path. After seeing nuclear technology in operation aboard the icebreaker, Ntsako returned with a strong interest in pursuing nuclear engineering.
“He came back with a clear goal in mind. He is now seriously pursuing a career in nuclear engineering, and his passion for the field has just skyrocketed,” Emely said.
For the Sithole family, Ntsako’s achievement represents more than an individual accomplishment.
His journey has also inspired learners in Refilwe, where his return was marked by a welcome parade organised by his schoolmates and the community.
Emely said the achievement had shown children in the community that their circumstances should not limit their ambitions.
“Ntsako is a real beacon of hope. He’s shown every kid on our dusty streets that their dreams are valid and that they really can reach the top of the world,” she said.
The family now hopes that Ntsako will continue nurturing his curiosity and pursue his ambitions in the sciences.
“We just want him to be happy and fulfilled in whatever path he takes within the sciences,” Emely said.
Image: Supplied.
Ntsako said the experience showed him that absolutely anything is possible if you want it badly enough and are willing to put in the work.
“It completely broke down any mental barriers about what a kid from a township is ‘supposed’ to achieve, it proved to me that the whole world is open to me,” he said.
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