Coding Champions: Tholokuhle Primary Wins Top Award For Robotics And Innovation

There was joy and pride in the air at Tholokuhle Primary School as learners and teachers celebrated being crowned Best School for Coding and Robotics by the King Cetshwayo District. The prestigious award was presented during an interschool showcase held recently, where participating schools competed to showcase their skills in coding, robotics, and digital creativity.

Adding to the honour, the award was handed over personally by Ms T. Mlambo, Richards Bay Circuit Manager, who attended the ceremony as the district’s official representative. The moment was not only a proud achievement for the school but also a powerful symbol of how public education can embrace innovation and excellence.

The event brought together schools from across the region, but it was Tholokuhle Primary that stood out for its learners’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Teachers beamed with pride as they received their certificates, acknowledging the dedication that brought their learners to the forefront of digital education.

“We never imagined coding could open so many doors. This award is not just for our school, but for every learner in our school who dreams big,” said Mr. Thomas Crisos Ndlovu, programme coordinator at Tholokuhle Primary.

The school’s journey has been supported by ORT SA’s Let Kidz Code initiative, in partnership with South32 Hillside. The programme has empowered 90 learners — 60 of them girls — with hands-on experience in coding and robotics, led by a committed team of eight teachers (2 female, 6 male).

This recognition from the district validates the impact of Let Kidz Code, which equips learners with essential 21st-century skills and opens new pathways for innovation and learning.

“We are incredibly proud of Tholokuhle Primary. This award is a testament to the school’s hard work, the commitment of its teachers, and the enthusiasm of its learners,” said Ariellah Rosenberg, CEO of ORT SA. “We thank the King Cetshwayo District and Ms Mlambo for recognising the power of technology to transform education.”

Tholokuhle’s achievement reflects a bigger truth: with access to the right tools, support, and training, learners from every corner of South Africa can rise — and lead — in the digital future.

For more information about ORT SA, please go to: https://www.ortsa.org.za/