A graduate student at UL University helped South Africa win a historic CASE-IN Championship

A graduate student at the University of Limpopo (UL) has helped South Africa win its first major international competition, highlighting the growing contribution of the country's young researchers to global discussions on sustainability, technology, and development.

Lucius Mokwena, a graduate student in agronomy at the University's Center for Global Change, was an expert on the Zambezi team. Her technical support helped the team win first place in the BRICS Young Professionals League at the International Engineering CASE-IN Championship in Russia.

Considered one of the largest platforms for aspiring researchers and young professionals, this competition challenges participants to develop practical solutions to complex economic, environmental, and technological problems.

The Zambezi team surpassed competitors from Brazil, Russia, India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia and other countries, bringing South Africa its first victory in this competition. Apart from the trophy itself, this achievement highlights the growing presence of South African researchers in global discussions about innovation, sustainability and development. It also reflects the role of universities such as UL in producing graduates who are able to compete at the highest level.

For Mokwena, this moment had both personal and national significance. "When the team was declared the winner, it seemed like a dream to me. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. We have made history in South Africa," she said.

Mokwena has made a great contribution to the success of the team, using her research knowledge and problem solving skills. She said that one of the most valuable aspects of this experience was working with young specialists from different countries and regions.

"The most valuable thing was to learn from people with different views and experiences. We exchanged ideas on food security, sustainable development, energy and technology, and also built relationships that will remain after the end of the competition," she said.

A source