4 October 2024 – As we prepare to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day tomorrow, 5 October, Sifiso EdTech is thrilled to introduce the finalists for the 2024 Sifiso EdTech Coding and Robotics Teacher of the Year Award. These seven outstanding educators have excelled in using coding and robotics to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a passion for technology in their learners. Their dedication to shaping the next generation of innovators positions them as leaders in STEM education.

The 2024 Finalists:

  1. Letlaka Mphuthi – The Sentinel Primary School, Free State
    Mphuthi’s exceptional dedication to coding and robotics has made his classroom a centre of innovation. His hands-on teaching style has led his students to top rankings in national and provincial coding competitions, with his robotics team recently securing first place in a regional challenge. Mphuthi’s commitment goes beyond the classroom, as he has founded after-school coding clubs and community workshops that foster a strong STEM culture within the school and the local community.
  2. Melanie Kroukamp – Curro Academy Pretoria, Gauteng
    Kroukamp has brought coding and robotics to life for her students through engaging lessons that inspire curiosity and a passion for STEM. Her creative approach has allowed learners to explore new technological frontiers, and she has cultivated a strong culture of innovation within her classroom.
  3. Nokulunga Dlamini – Tehillah Christian School, Kwa-Zulu Natal
    Dlamini has transformed her classroom into a dynamic environment where students thrive in learning coding and robotics. Her dedication to integrating technology has equipped her students with essential problem-solving skills, nurturing their passion for STEM fields and creating future-ready learners.
  4. Odetty Thapelo Sebone – Toronto Primary School, Limpopo
    Sebone’s leadership in promoting coding at her school has inspired her learners to embrace technology with excitement. Her innovative teaching approach has played a critical role in developing her students’ coding skills, preparing them for a future shaped by technological advancements.
  5. Tashy Malinga – Limelight Academy, Gauteng
    Malinga’s lessons are a perfect blend of creativity and technology, making her classroom a hub for innovation. Through hands-on projects and interactive lessons, she has inspired her students to think critically and explore the possibilities that coding and robotics can offer. Malinga’s dedication has made her a role model for both students and fellow educators.
  6. Terence Malatji – Future Nation Schools, Gauteng
    Malatji’s forward-thinking approach to coding and robotics has created an immersive learning experience for his students. By introducing cutting-edge technologies and applying project-based learning, he is preparing his learners to excel in the digital age and equipping them with critical 21st-century skills.
  7. Thokozile Happiness Mabuyakhulu – Aquadene Secondary School, Kwa-Zulu Natal
    Mabuyakhulu has designed her coding and robotics lessons to challenge her students’ critical thinking and creativity. Her innovative teaching has sparked a growing interest in STEM careers among her learners, and her influence is helping to create the next generation of technology leaders.

Says Xoliswa Mahlangu, Head of Digital Learning and Technology at Sifiso EdTech: “Each of these finalists has made extraordinary contributions to coding and robotics education, setting a high standard for excellence in teaching and leadership. Tomorrow, on Teacher Appreciation Day, we will announce the 2024 Sifiso EdTech Coding and Robotics Teacher of the Year winner. Stay tuned as we celebrate these remarkable educators who are shaping South Africa’s future through STEM education!”