Lesedi Solar Park Trust Celebrates Robotics Achievements in Local Schools

Last week, the Siyafunda Education Foundation (SEF) , in partnership with the Lesedi Solar Park Trust and the Northern Cape Education Department, hosted a vibrant celebration event recognizing the achievements of four schools in the Tsantsabane and Kgatelopele Local Municipalities. This event marked the culmination of a successful year filled with growth, innovation, and hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The Siyafunda Education Foundation board members were in attendance, alongside, educators, a Department of Education official, and students. Mr. Christo Sehako, Circuit Manager for the Local Department of Education, was among the guests, and he shared words of encouragement that resonated with the young learners and the community. “My dream is to see us producing more mathematicians from these communities,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuing this impactful program. Mr. Sehako encouraged the students to remain focused, motivating them to encourage their peers to join and benefit from the robotics progam.

Each of the four participating schools arrived prepared and eager to showcase their robotics skills and innovative projects. Refentse Primary School stood out among them, winning awards for both the best showcase and the best innovation idea, a testament to their commitment to STEM concepts and critical thinking—skills that are central to the program’s mission.

The Robotics Academies program, an initiative led by SEF and supported by The Lesedi Solar Park Trust, was established with a vision to provide young learners with a solid foundation in robotics and STEM subjects. Through this program, learners in four schools in the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality are introduced to robotics, coding, and critical problem-solving—skills essential for thriving in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

In just two years, the program has seen impressive results and continues to grow in influence, motivating learners to consider STEM subjects in their Further Education and Training (FET) phase. It also inspires learners to explore mining and other tech-focused industries, preparing them to make valuable contributions to their communities and beyond.

Mr Heine Kulsen, Siyafunda Education Foundation Programme Coordinator had this to say on the importance of robotics, “Learners and even grownups are not aware of the development of the industrial revolution and how it progressed. Now being in the fourth industrial revolution, learners experience the different spheres of robotics including, but not limited to coding, internet of things,  artificial intelligence, drone development, etc. They know what they have now but have no idea how this came to be. Robotics not only teaches them the coding and engineering side of things, but also how robotics forms part of their daily lives. From a cell phone to the reverse camera of a vehicle, robotics and coding are part of their daily lives. Learners now see and are able to build, design and program machines on their own and are able to do problem-solving and to create solutions using coding and robotics”.

The celebration event demonstrated the dedication of learners and educators alike and the commitment of the program’s partners, who are working together to pave the way for a brighter, STEM-rich future in these communities. With community leaders like Mr. Sehako championing the cause, The Lesedi Solar Park Trust Robotics Academies continue to make a profound impact on the next generation of innovators and mathematicians.