Mamelodi learners build fully electric car named Ngom-Ngom

Grade 11 and 12 learners at Ribane-Laka Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi built a fully electric vehicle
The car, named Ngom-Ngom, was designed to champion cleaner energy and innovation in South Africa's automotive sector
The project drew wide attention online, with South Africans sharing strong views about the future of youth-led innovation

Mamelodi learners build electric car that has Mzansi talking — Learners built a fully functioning vehicle. Image: Kasi Economy
Source: Facebook

A group of high school learners from Mamelodi have done something most adults only talk about. Pupils at Ribane-Laka Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation built a fully electric vehicle, and the internet took notice.

The car, named Ngom-Ngom, was constructed by Grade 11 and 12 learners as part of an innovative school project. It was designed to highlight the potential for cleaner energy solutions and to push back against the idea that engineering breakthroughs only happen abroad.

Mamelodi school puts youth innovation on the map

Ribane-Laka is a specialist institution with a focus on mathematics, science, and information and communications technology, making it an apt home for a project of this ambition. The learners behind Ngom-Ngom applied their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering, producing a vehicle that reflects both technical skill and a broader vision for greener transport.

The project was shared on Facebook by Kasi Economy on 10 October 2026 and quickly sparked conversation across the platform.

View the Facebook post below:

Mzansi reacts to the Ngom-Ngom electric car

Responses ranged from pride and humour on the page to genuine calls for systemic change in how schools approach practical education:

Myy Goroh said:

"Knew that the car I used to draw in Grade 1 is real 😎🔥"

Miikah Ibrahim wrote:

"Mamelodi learners built a blue-yellow box"

Simon Mashalane Tlou suggested:

"It must replace tak-tak for local transport"

Alfee John Evalasting-Eneji commented:

"Well done, much better and meaningful than learning to label parts of a grasshopper."

Lindile Mweli joked:

"So, will it go to Mamelodi Sundowns Player of the Year? I am asking because of the colours..."

The mix of pride, comedy and scepticism reflects a real tension many South Africans feel: admiration for young innovators, but frustration that such talent rarely finds the institutional support it deserves beyond the classroom.

Mamelodi learners build fully electric car named Ngom-Ngom

Mamelodi school puts youth innovation on the map

Mzansi reacts to the Ngom-Ngom electric car

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