Limpopo learners to represent SA at global invention competition in China
Eight Limpopo learners will be the only African delegation at the Invention Convention China, presenting AI and renewable energy projects.
POLOKWANE – Eight learners from seven Limpopo schools will represent South Africa next year as the only African delegation at the Invention Convention China (ICC) International Division 2026.
Supported by the Adopt-a-School Foundation, a partner of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, the learners earned their place in the inaugural International Division of ICC – a global youth competition on natural science literacy approved by China’s Ministry of Education.
Making it possible
Their participation was made possible by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and Buffalo International Logistics, with coordination led by Adopt-a-School in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Education.
The delegation includes learners from:
- Patrick Ramaano Secondary School
- Nngweni Secondary School
- Kutama Secondary School
- E.P. Mhinga Secondary School
- Mbilwi Secondary School
- Shingwedzi Secondary School
- Thengwe Secondary School
3 innovation projects
The team will present three innovation projects addressing global challenges:
| Project | Focus |
|---|---|
| MindGuardSA | An offline, multilingual AI system to help identify learners who may need mental health support |
| Bio-Fuel Electricity | Converting food waste into renewable energy |
| Smart Energy Guard System (SEGS) | An IoT system to monitor electricity use, cut costs, and promote sustainability |
Global exposure and collaboration
ICC challenges young inventors to develop practical solutions in AI, climate change, food security, smart manufacturing and low-carbon tech. Projects are judged on innovation, scientific process, originality, social impact, prototypes and communication.
Beyond the competition, the learners will join a five-day programme of scientific exchanges and cultural experiences in Hunan Province and Zhengzhou, China. They will collaborate with peers from around the world and visit leading research institutions and technology companies.
Building on success
The initiative builds on the 2025 participation of learners from Modilati Secondary School and reflects the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to STEM for learners in underserved communities.
Melanie Spencer, COO of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, said the foundation believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Through partnerships such as this, we are opening doors for talented learners to compete globally and return home as the innovators our country needs,” she said.
Investing in Africa’s future
Travis Haefele, commercial manager at Buffalo International Logistics, said investing in young people is investing in Africa’s future.
“We are proud to support learners gaining global exposure that will shape tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.
Banyana Mohajane from Adopt-a-School Foundation added that world-class talent exists in every community.
“By connecting rural learners to international platforms, we are bridging opportunity gaps,” she said.
Kelvin Molongoana, DDG of the Limpopo Department of Education, said the learners earned the honour of representing South Africa through hard work and creativity and will be outstanding ambassadors.
The foundations thanked Buffalo International Logistics, the Limpopo Department of Education, district offices, and Chinese partners for making the opportunity possible.
