POLOKWANE – Local community activist Phuti Ragophala, also known as ‘Technogranny’, has made a name for herself as a community builder, visionary leader and global teacher whose life is a living testimony that “It’s not over until you win”.

She has mentored teachers through certification programmes, guided students into robotics and coding, and used creative advocacy to spread messages of peace and unity – proving that age is no barrier to creativity, technology or leadership.

Humble beginnings

Her story begins in Limpopo, where her earliest lessons were written in the dust under a tree. Those humble beginnings shaped her belief that education is not about resources, but about resilience and vision.

Her career blossomed into leadership as the principal of Pula Madibogo Primary School in Mankweng, where she guided learners with discipline and compassion.

“I wanted every child to know that their circumstances do not define their destiny,” she recalls.

Even after retirement, she refused to slow down. Instead, she transformed her home into a hub of skills, where children and teachers gathered to learn coding, robotics and digital literacy.

12 years of Rotary service

Her journey in Rotary spans 12 years of dedicated service.

Rising to become president of the Rotary E-Club of Baobab (2023–2024), she led with vision, compassion and a deep commitment to community upliftment.

Honours and recognition

Her leadership was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellow honour in 2026, a Rotary distinction for outstanding service.

In 2023, she received the Order of Baobab from President Cyril Ramaphosa – one of South Africa’s highest civilian honours – for her exceptional contribution to education and community development.

“Rotary gave me a platform to extend my classroom beyond walls,” she says. “It allowed me to serve humanity with the same passion I gave to my learners.”

Global influence

Her influence extends far beyond her local community. She is:

• A Microsoft Education Fellow and trainer
• A Sace ambassador
• A CPSI ambassador

She has also championed digital transformation in classrooms, ensuring that teachers and learners are equipped for the future.

Her recognition as a Global Teacher Prize Top 50 finalist in 2017 placed her among the world’s most inspiring teachers. She is also a prolific article writer, sharing insights on education, innovation and community building.

‘No time to grow old’

Ragophala is still an active member of the Rotary E-Club of Baobab and believes that she has no time to grow old.

“If you keep on working, your mind remains young,” she believes.