The Team
Powered by passionate STEMi mentors who ignite curiosity, build confidence, and guide youth from classrooms to real-world innovation.
At the heart of Nka’Thuto’s success are our dedicated volunteers — STEMi professionals who generously share their expertise, time, and passion to inspire the next generation of innovators. These mentors bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, guiding learners through the process of problem-solving, research, and prototyping. By serving as role models, they not only transfer technical knowledge but also ignite curiosity, build confidence, and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of young people from under-resourced communities. Their contribution ensures that learners see tangible pathways into STEMi careers and entrepreneurship, making our vision of building Africa’s innovation pipeline possible.
Born and raised in Makotopong village, Polokwane, Simon Chipu holds a degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry. An avid reader and lifelong learner, he is passionate about sharing knowledge with young people.
As Innovations Clubs Coordinator at Nkathuto Edu Propeller, Simon drives projects in coding and robotics, creative writing, and science demonstrations to make STEM exciting and accessible. His mission is to spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and promote learning beyond the classroom.
Mr Mphulaphuli Komani holds a BTech degree in Plant Production and currently serves as a project coordinator at Nka’Thuto Edu Propeller. A passionate advocate for agriculture. Mr Komani specialises in hydroponics and innovative farming methods. His work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering young people and sharing knowledge that promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Through his role, he actively mentors’ youth, fostering a new generation of agri-innovators.
Blessing Maditsi is a dedicated tech enthusiast with a strong passion for electronics and innovation. Mastered Python basics - based robotics and currently an intern at the Tshimologong digital innovation precint ”TMG maker space” with the help of Nka Thuto Edu and also a student at CISCO doing online Networking course.My journey has been and is fueled by curiosity and a hands-on approach. Nka Thuto played and still is playing a pivotal role, providing support and resources that transformes my access to the tech world. This support has been instrumental in cultivating a passion for creation and invention.
Leadership
Thulile Khanyile is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Nka’Thuto EduPropeller, a scientist, lecturer, and social entrepreneur passionate about using science, education, and innovation to drive socio-economic transformation in Africa. A PhD candidate and lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, she teaches molecular medicine, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with research focused on HIV prevention through DNA vaccine strategies. Beyond academia, she is a thought leader, speaker, and science communicator featured by platforms such as MIT Press, the Gates Foundation, and Zonta International. Her accolades include being recognised as a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper, Obama Africa Leader, InspiringFifty, and Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African. Thulile embodies Nka’Thuto’s mission to nurture African talent and make science and innovation impactful and accessible to society.
Thandeka Mhlanga is a scientist, innovation strategist, and social entrepreneur with double Master’s degrees in Physics Cumlaude and Innovation Studies. She co-founded Nka’Thuto EduPropeller, which has empowered thousands of learners with STEM and entrepreneurial skills, and contributed to national policy as a researcher on the Ministerial HESTILL Review Committee. With experience at the CSIR and RIIS, she has worked on innovation ecosystems in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate resilience. She currently serves as an Innovation Development Officer at the Wits Innovation Centre, advancing research commercialisation and entrepreneurship.