PINETOWN Senior Primary School emerged as the winner of the District 4 Unplugged Coding Competition which was held at Hillcrest Library recently.

Six libraries participated; Mpumalanga, Inchanga, Wyebank, Kwadabeka, Pinetown, and Waterfall. Each library was represented by teams of five learners.

Assistant librarian Mandisa Nzimande explained that unplugged coding focuses on developing skills such as computational and logical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning without the use of computers.

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“We want to remove the barrier of technology so learners can build a strong foundation for their future,” she said, emphasising the growing importance of coding skills in the digital age.

She said coding is becoming popular in South Africa and as eThekwini they are trying to reach out to rural areas so that they can also develop skills even though they do not have the equipment.

“We will be starting a project where we will teach children in the rural areas and supply them with equipment. For now, the learners in the rural areas can only practise in libraries on a Wednesday or during school holidays.”

Rizana Hoosen, an educator from Pinetown Senior Primary, expressed pride in the school’s achievement. “The school is fortunate to offer coding as both a subject and extra-mural activity. Learners are enthusiastic and benefit from the opportunity to think critically and collaborate in teams,” she said.

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