In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of education and empowerment, Nepoworx Renewable Energy marked Mandela Day 2025 by bringing a dynamic, hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workshop to learners at Nkube Secondary School, a rural school nestled just outside Mokopane in Limpopo.

The initiative, called #Nepo4Change, exposed more than 150 learners to renewable energy concepts, science experiments and career paths in the green economy, all made possible through partnerships with BIC Stationary, FNB, Siemens Energy, and the Vuwani Science Resource Centre by University of Venda.

For many of these learners, this was their first time interacting with solar panels, hearing about careers in climate tech, or engaging with real-world science outside the curriculum.

“Our learners are often forgotten because of where we are located,” said Mrs M.P. Maluleke, Principal of Nkube Secondary School. “But today, thanks to Nepoworx and its partners, our children felt seen, capable and inspired. We hope this is the beginning of long-term support and transformation.”

From energetic Q&A sessions to practical demonstrations, learners lit up the school’s assembly hall with curiosity and enthusiasm. They also received goodie bags that were filled with stationary, career guidance books and other materials to assist with their studies and inspirational talks, reinforcing a message of hope and possibility.

Nonjabulo Sokhela, CEO of Nepoworx, said: “Introducing STEM to rural schools is not just about career development, it’s about justice. It ensures every child, no matter where they are born, has access to knowledge that can change their lives. At Nepoworx, we believe the next engineer, scientist or innovator could just as easily come from Nkube as from any urban classroom, they just need the opportunity.”

As the world steadily moves toward a green economy, it has become increasingly important that this transition is inclusive. Building awareness and understanding at a grassroots level ensures that communities in rural and under-resourced areas are not left behind. Introducing young people to the basics of renewable energy and climate-related careers is a crucial step in preparing them to actively participate in and benefit from the green economy. It’s not only about future jobs but about creating informed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and equitable South Africa.

This year’s activation builds on Nepoworx’s mission to drive inclusive socio-economic transformation development by combining green skills training, youth employment initiatives and enterprise support across South Africa’s underserved communities.

As the day concluded, what remained was a quiet sense of possibility. For many learners, it was their first real introduction to renewable energy, not as a distant concept, but as something tangible, relevant, and full of potential. The conversations sparked and questions asked reflected a genuine curiosity about the world beyond their classroom walls. In a community where access to resources is limited, the experience offered a glimpse into new opportunities, and perhaps, new directions for the future.