POLOKWANE – At just 26, Qetello Baloyi from Luthuli 9L in Seshego is quickly becoming one of the province’s most exciting young innovators.

Raised by her grandparents, she’s now making national waves with her project ‘Zus Nana’- a smart pantyliner designed to detect infections and illnesses.

Qetello says her journey started in 2023 when she attended a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) workshop through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity programme.

What started as curiosity turned into a long relationship with the University of Limpopo’s innovation space. “I’m honestly so honoured. I never expected things to unfold like this,” she told BONUS.

Her first big boost came when her idea won second runner-up in the existing business with social impact category. The recognition kept her coming back to every workshop and masterclass she could find. She says these sessions helped her understand entrepreneurship, creativity, and intellectual property.

Over the past two years, she has coached other EDHE Intervarsity competitors. “Giving back helped me cement what I’ve learnt. It also means I get to support others on their journeys.”

This year, she joined the EDHE community programme, including the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme. While preparing for the EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge finals, mentor Makgobane Mohale connected her with the experts at the TTO to start protecting her invention.

“This support is available to any student who is willing to step forward. Other students can access the same opportunities by simply reaching out to the TTO early, even if their idea is still rough. The TTO works with students at all stages of innovation. They can attend our workshops, innovation challenges, or book a consultation session to discuss their idea. The most important step is just to come forward — we’re here to support and guide students in turning their ideas into real-world solutions,” Mohale said.

Baloyi’s smart pantyliner went on to win third place nationally, earning her R150 000 to develop the technology. She credits the UL TTO for guiding her through the patent-filing process and supporting her.

For Qetello, this achievement also reflects the university’s growing role in nurturing innovators from rural and township communities, and helping young people turn raw potential into nationally recognised ideas.