21st-century problem-solving skills were on full display at the second Coding & Robotics Inter-School Challenge hosted by the Ardagh for Education programme and its implementing partners, PROTEC (Programme for Technological Careers), at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in December.
The three-day district competition promotes high-quality STEM teaching and learning in local communities. Learners from 31 primary and secondary schools across three districts in Gauteng participated in the 2025 competition, addressing the 2025 Transportation theme, designing, building and programming robotic solutions to improve mobility, safety and efficiency.
The 2025 winners were:
Best overall robot
- Isiziba Primary (Intermediate Phase)
- Asser Maloka Secondary (Senior Phase)
Best overall coding
- Thembalikazulu Primary (Intermediate Phase)
- Thuto-Ke-Maatla Engineering SOS (Senior Phase)
Best team spirit
- Alra Park Primary (Intermediate Phase)
- Windmill Park Secondary (Senior Phase)
Judges Award
- Isiziba Primary
Best Plant
- Clayville
The provincial finale on 4 December was attended by senior government and industry representatives and Ardagh’s leadership team.
Special guest and judge Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Science and Innovation and PROTEC Ambassador, said, “The solutions presented here today are a microcosm of the technological future South Africa must build. Investing in these young minds is not optional; it is an imperative for our country’s competitiveness and sustainable development. This programme exemplifies the hands-on, applied learning that will drive innovation and grow our economy.”
Antony Hlungwane, Chairman of the Board at PROTEC, addressed the finalists. “To our phenomenal learners: you are the coders, engineers, and problem-solvers of tomorrow and today you proved you are already here. A special acknowledgment must go to your teachers: their dedication and guidance are evident in every line of code and every ingenious robotic design. We at PROTEC are deeply honoured to be Ardagh’s chosen partner in this transformative journey, and we are committed to continuous improvement and expansion of these vital programmes.”
Perumal Veeren Padayachee, Chief Educational Specialist for the Senior Phase at the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), emphasised the critical role of collaboration. “The impact of this public-private partnership is tangible in our classrooms and on this competition floor. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ardagh for partnering with PROTEC and the GDE. This model provides essential resources, teacher training and inspiration that directly amplifies our curriculum and opens doors for our learners.”
“We see firsthand the need for skilled engineers. Starting early is key. The time we invest in mentoring these learners is an investment in our industry’s future,” shared Selemo Magatikele, Ardagh’s Senior HR Executive.
Simangaliso Mahlangu, Ardagh’s Executive: HR, added, “The Coding & Robotics Inter-School Challenge empowers young minds with future-ready skills. By fostering creativity and problem-solving through STEM education, we are helping shape innovators who will drive sustainable solutions for tomorrow.”
The 2025 champions
Kamohelo Charity Masemola, a teacher from the triumphant Isiziba Primary School in Ekurhuleni North, which won Best Overall Robot and the Judges Award, said: “Our hearts are bursting with pride! This victory belongs to our incredible principal, the hardworking teachers and most importantly, our brilliant learners who never stopped believing. We are immensely grateful to Ardagh and PROTEC for the unwavering support, training and resources that made this achievement possible for our school.”
From Thuto-Ke-Maatla Engineering School of Specialisation, also in Ekurhuleni North, learner Kgopotso Motloutsi reflected on her team’s win for Best Overall Coding: “Winning this award is unreal! It wasn’t just about one person; it was about our team’s spirit, late nights debugging code together and never giving up. This opportunity from Ardagh has shown us that our skills have real power, and for that, we are so thankful.”
