A Grade 11 learner from Mondale High School in Mitchells Plain has made her community proud after being selected to represent South Africa at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in July.

Zayaan Abdurahman earned her spot by partaking in the South African Space Design Competition where 109 learners from different high schools were tasked with designing futuristic space settlements. She is one of only eight learners chosen to represent Team South Africa.

The competition forms part of a global network spanning six continents. The inaugural finals were hosted at the University of Cape Town. However, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity incurs expenses. Her family has since launched a back-a-buddy campaign to help get Zayaan to NASA next month.

The Soundbyte’s Nuruniesa Isaacs chats to Grade 11 Mondale High School learner, Zayaan Abdurahman on her achievement.