SIYAFUNDA
IN THE MEDIA
A living archive of our work as told by journalists, communities, and partners across South Africa, from robotics clubs in Upington to national science competitions in Johannesburg.
ABOUT THIS PAGE
Our work speaks through those it touches. This page gathers print and digital media coverage of the Siyafunda Education Foundation's programmes, robotics clubs, science festivals, skills workshops and more. As independently reported by journalists across the Northern Cape and beyond. Each article is a testament to real impact in real communities.
9+
Articles Published
3
Publications
12+
Schools Covered
Featured Coverage
Robotics
Gembsbok | 26 July 2019
"Hier leer hul vinnig dink" Robotics Pilot Launches in Upington Schools
Split Second Science Education Foundation partnered with TechnoYouth to introduce LEGO Robotics clubs at Laerskool Oranje-Noord, a first for Upington, as a pilot study for roll-out across all Upington schools.
Grades 5 and 6 learners worked hands-on with Mindstorms EV3 LEGO Blocks, coding robots to perform special functions. The workshop was offered as a TechnoYouth job-shadow study, giving children a window into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
34+
Learners per
TechnoYouth session
12+
Schools reached
in the Northern Cape
65+
Teachers engaged
at National Science Week
5
FLL (First Lego League) competition
teams from Upington Ecosystems
170+
Learners at 2022
Robotics competition
"As a non-governmental organisation, Siyafunda Education Foundation always tries to provide such opportunities for children, to enrich them in all areas so that they can develop to their full potential."
— Gemsbok, December 2022 · Reporting on Siyafunda Education Foundation's 2022 Robotics Year
Media Timeline
July 2019
Gemsbok Newspaper
Hier leer hul vinnig dink: Robotics Pilot at Laerskool Oranje-Noord
First media coverage of the LEGO Robotics pilot programme in Upington, featuring TechnoYouth's job-shadow model and plans to expand to all Upington schools.
August 2019
Gemsbok Newspaper
National Science Week: "Facing the Harsh Realities of Climate Change"
Think Tank facilitated by Siyafunda EF with VUT and TIA. Northern Cape selected as host province; over 65 teachers participated.
October 2019
Gemsbok Newspaper
Kalksloot kinders leer bou Lego robotte
34 learners at Kalksloot Primary School received their first robotics instruction, including a 3D printing demonstration at the VUT Upington Technology Station.
November 2019
Kalahari Bulletin
Spanne wen met robotte: National Robotics Finals Qualification
Master Builders team (Carla Klindt, Nico Hodgson, De Villiers Fourie) qualifies for the national FLL competition in Johannesburg, placing in the top 5 nationally.
November 2019
Gemsbok Newspaper
Leerders neem deel aan Lego kompetisie: FLL Carnarvon Regional
5 teams from Laerskool Oranje-Noord compete at the Northern Cape FLL regional competition. Two teams place in the top 10 of 20 competing schools.
November 2019
Gemsbok Newspaper
Skool kuier by Bloodhound: Engineering Excursion to Askham
Gr 1–8 learners from KTS visited the Bloodhound supersonic car project, meeting engineers and experiencing real-world STEM in action on the Kalahari plains.
August 2022
Gemsbok Newspaper
NK Robotika kry momentum tydens Wetenskapweek
Siyafunda Education Foundation and SAASTA partner with MTN Foundation for National Science Week robotics demonstrations. Learners explore agricultural technology applications and 4IR concepts.
August 2022
Gemsbok Newspaper
Robotika-jaar goed afgesluit: End of Year Robotics Competition
170+ learners compete in Mothibistad. 12 schools reached. Weekly lessons delivered throughout the year. South32 Robotics Academy support confirmed for continued growth.
