Edition September 2026

Recognition as South Africa's Young Leader in Education at the 2025 40 Under 40 Awards is the latest milestone in Dr Moleboheng Mokhele's growing influence in the education sector.

A senior lecturer in Natural Sciences Education at North-West University (NWU), she is helping to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through her teaching, research and commitment to developing future talent.

The award honours young professionals under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact in their respective fields, and reflects Mokhele's contribution to strengthening education in South Africa.

The award recognises Mokhele’s groundbreaking contribution to early STEM education, particularly her research on innovative teaching approaches that integrate environmental and digital learning in early childhood development.

According to Mokhele, STEM education equips children with problem-solving, analytical and critical-thinking skills, helping them make sense of the world around them.

“For me, STEM education is also a matter of equity. Every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves access to quality STEM learning opportunities that allow them to thrive and imagine new possibilities for their future. This ensures that no child is left behind,” she said.

Learning through play

Her work focuses on reimagining how young children are introduced to STEM, particularly in South Africa and the Global South. Central to her approach is the belief that science education should be meaningful, engaging and connected to children's everyday experiences.

One of the initiatives that contributed to her national recognition is the Renewable Rangers carpet game, a learning tool designed for children aged four to six years.

Drawing on storytelling, culture, play and adventure, the game introduces concepts such as renewable energy, environmental stewardship, sustainability and problem-solving in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Through the character of Dr Mummy Ranger, children embark on a journey across South Africa's provinces, solving challenges and learning how communities use renewable energy.

Through guided play, they are introduced to the basics of solar, wind and hydroelectric energy, making complex scientific concepts easier to understand through practical experiences and imaginative exploration.

“As they play, children also develop important cognitive and social skills, including collaboration, communication and decision-making. The intention is not simply to transmit scientific facts, but to create opportunities for meaningful learning that supports deeper understanding and connection,” she said. 

Integrating culture into STEM learning

What sets Renewable Rangers apart is its integration of STEM education with indigenous knowledge systems and culturally responsive storytelling.

This approach helps children see themselves reflected in the learning experience, while affirming the value of their cultures, languages and lived experiences in understanding scientific concepts.

As they journey across South Africa's nine provinces, children encounter scientists, engineers, farmers and community members from diverse backgrounds. Along the way, they are introduced to local traditions, languages and indigenous environmental knowledge, demonstrating how science is embedded in communities and everyday life.

Her goal is to develop innovative, home-grown approaches to introducing science concepts in early childhood education, ensuring that learning is culturally relevant and celebrates African identity, knowledge and pride, rather than relying on imported models.

Mokhele said her work was deeply personal. Trained as a microbiologist, she developed an interest in early childhood STEM education through her experience of using play-based learning and educational games to support children with speech and language delays.

“Through this, I saw how quickly children learn when they are engaged, supported and free to explore. I also saw their natural curiosity grow, especially in science and problem-solving,” she added. 

A personal journey

Mokhele's work expanded during her time in the United Arab Emirates, where she served as a STEM Ambassador for the Ministry of Education. The experience deepened her appreciation for the role of culture and identity in education.

Receiving South Africa's Young Leader in Education Award was a humbling moment in her career. She dedicates the accolade to her two sons, who continue to inspire her work and remain her greatest source of motivation.

She says the award reflects years of studying, teaching, conducting research, securing funding and mentoring students.

"This recognition reminds me that meaningful work is built slowly, through persistence, resilience and purpose," she said.

Building on the success of Renewable Rangers, there is growing interest in scaling the initiative through engagement with key stakeholders, including the Department of Basic Education.

Mokhele hopes to explore its integration into early childhood science curricula as a tool for introducing foundational STEM concepts in an accessible and developmentally appropriate way.

In another significant milestone, Renewable Rangers was nominated for the 2025 NSTF-South32 Emerging Researcher Award. Mokhele views the nomination as recognition of the importance of early childhood STEM education, sustainability education and culturally responsive learning.

Academic journey 

Mokhele holds a PhD in Natural Sciences Education, with research focused on the role of visual literacy in science learning and how visual approaches can help young learners understand complex scientific concepts.

Since joining NWU in July 2024, she has combined teaching, research and postgraduate supervision with contributions to national and international research collaborations.