Seventeen-year-old Karabo Mpuru from Lebowakgomo has made Meridian Northern Academy and Curro proud after being selected to represent South Africa at the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF), taking place from 31 January to 7 February 2026.
The former Merdian Northern Academy learner will present her research project, ‘Finding the constant difference in an Arithmetic sequence,’ which has proven that two newly developed formulas can find the common difference in any arithmetic sequence, whether even, odd, or any other type. The research offers practical benefits for learners, helping them save time during tests, improve problem-solving skills, and build stronger foundations in mathematics.
Mpuru will travel as part of a national delegation led by the Eskom Expo Stellenbosch Regional Science Fair Director, alongside fellow Eskom Expo for Young Scientists winners.
When asked what it took to achieve this milestone, Mpuru said it required grit, resilience, determination, and a bold belief in what was possible.
Her scientific journey began during Grade 10 at Meridian Northern Academy when she overheard her physics teacher discussing project ideas with another learner. ‘When the learner left, I asked him about it. That day, the physics homework I had was left abandoned as I started my research in search of innovation,’ she recalls.
That moment of curiosity, nurtured by the school’s supportive academic environment, set her on a path to international recognition, a proof to how the school inspires learners to think beyond the curriculum and pursue their passions.
While her current achievement lies in mathematics, Mpuru’s intellectual curiosity extends beyond that. ‘Recently I’ve developed an interest in neuroscience and how the brain works, integrating it with machine learning,’ she explains. Her academic interests have evolved from rocks to bones, fashion, and now biology – a flexibility that the school environment actively encourages amongst its learners.
‘My career aspirations change so frequently that I don’t want to limit myself to one career but keep my mind open to the possibility of other careers even in the creative spaces,’ she says.
She encourages younger learners to stay resilient and authentic, even when faced with setbacks. ‘Rejection is often just redirection,’ she says.
Mpuru’s achievement shows the quality of education at Meridian Northern Academy’s Flora Park campus in Polokwane. Part of the Curro school group, the school offers Grades 8 to 12 with controlled class sizes and personalised attention. With Sepedi offered as an additional language and fully equipped boarding facilities, the school provides a supportive environment for learners from across the region.
As Mpuru prepares to represent South Africa in Taiwan, she carries with her the pride of her community and country, proof that with the right support and determination, young people can compete on the world stage.