In a village where electricity is unreliable and fast internet is scarce, two young men have developed a free e-learning app to help rural learners access quality education.
Malungelo Mathonsi and Khongelani Shibambu, both former pupils of Khathisa High School in Gumbani near Malamulele, created the Novar app to support learners in Grades 8 to 12. The app is designed to ensure that no learner is left behind simply because they cannot afford a tutor or attend a well-resourced school.
Growing up with limited access to libraries, computers and the Internet, the self-taught developers say they understand the daily challenges faced by learners in under-resourced communities. "Our aim is to eliminate excuses related to a lack of resources, qualified teachers, or money for tutors," said Mathonsi.
Novar includes past exam papers, pre-recorded lessons, and motivational videos. It also introduces learners to artificial intelligence (AI), giving them early exposure to new technologies. Once downloaded, the app can be used offline — a crucial feature in areas where Internet access is unreliable.
"We had to learn everything from scratch. We didn't have a strong educational foundation, but we were determined to build something that could help others avoid the same struggles. The app has already been downloaded tens of thousands of times," said Shibambu.
Their breakthrough came when a video about their work went viral on TikTok, drawing nationwide attention. Last Friday, Vhembe District Executive Mayor Freda Nkondo met the duo to congratulate them on their achievement. Since they gained attention, companies such as Liberty Life, Standard Bank and IBM have offered financial support to help develop the project further.
"We are grateful for the support," said Mathonsi. "After the app gained traction, we went back to our former school and found many learners had already downloaded it. Some have even requested more content to help them catch up. It shows just how strong the hunger for education is in communities like ours."