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Limpopo duo builds powerful education app with just R700 and a second-hand PC
Two childhood friends from a remote Limpopo village have captured South Africa’s heart by developing a groundbreaking education app—without formal training, advanced tech, or startup funding.
Marvel Shibambu and Malunghelo Mathonsi, both from the rural village of Gumbani, created the NOVAR app using a second-hand computer they bought for just R700. Their inspiring journey has gone viral, sparking national admiration and financial support from thousands of South Africans.
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No degrees, no resources—just determination
The two friends, who grew up together in an area with limited access to electricity and internet connectivity, taught themselves how to code using free online tools, YouTube tutorials, and sheer persistence. They had no prior experience in software development or access to tech mentors.
Picture: Coolstorybru
Despite those obstacles, they built NOVAR—a sleek, user-friendly educational app offering free learning materials, live virtual classes, AI-powered tools, bursary opportunities, and more.
Their goal? To make high-quality education accessible to every learner in South Africa, regardless of their financial background.
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National attention and viral support
Their story exploded online after it was shared by Cape Town-based digital storyteller @CoolStoryBru, who praised the pair for their self-made success.
The app quickly reached 44,000 downloads, but the developers were still working on their outdated PC and needed help to expand. Within 24 hours of the story being shared, South Africans raised over R80,000 to support the NOVAR project.
Their GoFundMe campaign has since surpassed its $10,000 target, hitting nearly R200,000—enough to keep the app free for all high school students by 2025.
A mission beyond tech
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NOVAR is not just another education app—it’s part of a bigger vision.
“To provide free, high-quality education and help every learner reach their full potential no matter their background. Education should never be a privilege; it should be a right,” said Shibambu, the app’s co-founder and CEO.
The app’s website has also opened doors for business partnerships, private tutoring hubs, and advertising opportunities, signalling potential for long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead: Talks with major partners
The NOVAR success story has caught the attention of influential players in the education and tech space. According to @CoolStoryBru, the developers are now in discussions with major partners who could help scale the app nationally—or even beyond South Africa’s borders.
From a tiny village to national recognition, the journey of Shibambu and Mathonsi is a powerful example of innovation, resilience, and the untapped potential within South Africa’s youth.
Their story continues to inspire, and as support grows, so too does the future of NOVAR—and of the learners it aims to empower.
Here is their website and their GoFund Me
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