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 currently in its production phase, with assets and coding actively underway. 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 introduces children aged four to six to concepts of renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental responsibility through a culturally resonant, exploration-driven digital platform.
Inspired by the experiences of her children, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi, who faced early speech delays, Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo began exploring digital learning environments to support language development.
This personal journey evolved into a research-led innovation grounded in self-directed learning (SDL) theory and culturally responsive pedagogy. The game adopts a pragmatic, convergent parallel mixed-methods research design to explore how SDL principles - such as independent exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving - can deepen young learners’ understanding of renewable energy while fostering lifelong learning habits.
Set across diverse South African landscapes, players journey through provinces to solve realistic energy challenges - with characters inspired by Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo’s children - promoting agency, representation and identity. Therefore, by weaving indigenous knowledge systems into the narrative, the game encourages environmental stewardship and pride in cultural heritage.
Feedback from both Grade R learners and teachers further reinforces its classroom relevance and pedagogical impact. As an educational tool, ReneWable Rangers not only enhances sustainability education, but also cultivates the cognitive and socio-emotional skills essential for self-managed, intrinsically motivated learning in early childhood.
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-Ramulumo.
