POLOKWANE — Eight learners from seven Limpopo schools will travel to China next year as South Africa’s only African delegation to the Invention Convention China (ICC) International Division 2026, the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and partners reported on 13 August 2026.
Local learners to present three innovation projects
The group, supported by the Adopt-a-School Foundation in coordination with the Limpopo Department of Education and backed by Buffalo International Logistics, will present three projects that tackle mental health, renewable energy and household electricity management.
According to the foundation, the learners will showcase:
- MindGuardSA — an offline, multilingual artificial intelligence system designed to identify school learners who may need mental health support;
- Bio-Fuel Electricity — a project converting food waste into renewable energy;
- Smart Energy Guard System (SEGS) — an Internet of Things system to monitor and reduce household electricity use.
The ICC focuses on young inventors and evaluates entries for innovation, scientific method, originality and social impact. Delegates will also participate in a five-day exchange programme in Hunan Province and Zhengzhou, where they will visit research institutions and technology companies and collaborate with peers from other countries, the organisers said.
Which schools are represented
The learners come from a mix of rural and township schools across Limpopo. The delegation includes pupils from the following schools, listed by organisers:
| School | Notes |
|---|---|
| Patrick Ramaano Secondary School | |
| Nngweni Secondary School | |
| Kutama Secondary School | |
| E.P. Mhinga Secondary School | |
| Mbilwi Secondary School | |
| Shingwedzi Secondary School | |
| Thengwe Secondary School |
How the trip was made possible
The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation coordinated the delegation with Adopt-a-School and said Buffalo International Logistics provided support for travel arrangements. The Limpopo Department of Education is assisting with preparation, the foundation reported.
Adopt-a-School is a partner of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and has led coordination with teachers who helped learners develop prototypes and presentations for the international competition.
Why this matters for Limpopo
Participation in ICC offers learners exposure to global research and technology environments and could open pathways for further study or entrepreneurship. For rural provinces like Limpopo, such opportunities may help bridge gaps in access to STEM resources and mentorship.
Organisers said the competition themes — including artificial intelligence, climate change, food security and low-carbon technology — align with challenges facing South African communities. Projects such as Bio-Fuel Electricity and SEGS are directly relevant to energy security and the push for sustainable solutions in households and schools.
Practical next steps for schools and parents
Local educators and parents who want to support learners preparing for similar competitions can focus on a few practical measures:
- Encourage teamwork and problem-based learning in classrooms.
- Seek partnerships with NGOs and logistics or tech firms for mentorship and resources.
- Support learners with basic materials for prototypes and safe transport to events.
Experts and organisers say sustained investment in teacher training and laboratory resources at school level will be crucial if more learners are to compete internationally.
The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation noted that this Limpopo delegation builds on earlier provincial successes in national and regional innovation contests and is part of a broader effort to expand young people’s access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities.
Further details about the learners’ trip schedule and fundraising or sponsorship arrangements were not provided in the statement from the foundation and partners.
Reported by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Adopt-a-School Foundation and the Limpopo Department of Education; additional travel support from Buffalo International Logistics.
