A grade 12 learner from Ramotshere Secondary School in Zeerust, North West, Precious Monnana, is expected to return home from the USA on Sunday (19/5), where she showcased an innovative project of hers.

Her winning Eskom Expo project “Improving retail security using metallic barcoding system” interested the judges. She jetted off to the USA last Saturday (11/5).

With her innovative project, she plans to assist retail businesses with advanced security measures. She is amongst the more than 1600 young scientists from around the world.

Monnana challenged herself in 2023 and entered again. Photo: Facebook

She began her journey in 2022 with the project, “Automated Bell”. With that project, she won the regional Eskom Expo. She won a gold medal, the best female project, and the best innovative project. 

She was so invested in the Young Scientists expo, that she challenged herself in 2023 and entered again. This project was recognised and won a gold medal and the best engineering project. She also gained an opportunity to participate nationally at the International Science Fair.

Monnana is amongst the more than 1600 young scientists from around the world. Photo: Facebook

The MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, congratulated Keamogetswe. 

"On behalf of the entire department, we are extremely proud of Keamogetswe [Precious]. This achievement clearly shows that your background cannot determine your destination. Who expected that a young girl from the village could compete with the learners of the world? She will be a good motivation to many learners across the province that “nothing is impossible if you put all your effort into it,” said Motsumi. 

She will be welcomed at the OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday.

OFM News/NW Education Statement cg