Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in Natural Sciences Education at the North-West University (NWU) and a member of the Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Research Unit, has been nominated for the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum’s (NSTF)-South32 Awards.

She has been nominated for the TW Kambule-NSTF Award in the Emerging Researcher category. This award celebrates emerging researchers who make significant impacts early in their careers.

Recognised as South Africa’s “Science Oscars”, the NSTF-South32 Awards honour outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology, and innovation.

Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo’s nomination highlights her work on Renewable Rangers, an educational digital game being developed in collaboration with Prof Byron Bunt, deputy director of the School of Commerce and Social Studies in Education, and Dr Lance Bunt, senior lecturer in computer science and information systems.

The project grew out of her personal journey and was inspired by the experiences of her children, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi, with speech delays. This led to Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo looking for innovative approaches to support language development through digital learning environments.

In doing so, she discovered the significant potential of interactive games – not only to enhance language acquisition – but also to stimulate early scientific curiosity.

ReneWable Rangers introduces players to key concepts in sustainability and renewable energy through an engaging, exploration-based framework. Importantly, the game is rooted in cultural relevance, weaving indigenous knowledge systems into the learning experience and connecting environmental stewardship with local identities, traditions and values.

Through visual storytelling and community-driven narratives, Renewable Rangers promotes environmental literacy while fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in South African heritage.

Beyond its environmental focus, the project also aligns closely with the principles of self-directed learning. Therefore, by encouraging learners to explore, solve problems independently, and adapt their strategies through trial and error, the game nurtures

critical thinking, intrinsic motivation, and ownership of the learning process. In this way, ReneWable Rangers serves as both an educational tool and a catalyst for developing the self-management skills essential for lifelong academic and personal growth.

Winners will be announced at the 27th NSTF-South32 Awards Gala that will take place on 31 July 2025 under the international theme of “Quantum Science and Technology”.

The NWU community and the Self-Directed Learning Research Unit proudly support Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo, whose innovative work advances both national priorities in environmental education and the NWU’s commitment to fostering lifelong, self-directed learners.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulum