Palabora learners excel in national robotics
Palabora Foundation learners clinched second place at the National Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, showing off some advanced coding skills.
PHALABORWA – After several months of dedicated effort, the Palabora Foundation has reached its final stage of the National Robotics Challenge after securing second place at the National Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, held at the AI Expo Africa in Sandton on Friday, October 31.
Although the team narrowly missed the opportunity to represent South Africa in Geneva, this achievement places the Ba-Phalaborwa learners among the country’s top young innovators and marks a significant milestone in the foundation’s mission to advance youth empowerment and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the region.
“Securing second place is a significant milestone for us, especially after two to three years of dedicated effort in building our robotics programme,” said Jacob Thobejani, the acting learner support superintendent.
The eight-member team earned its place on the national stage after finishing third at the provincial competition.
Their strong provincial performance qualified them for the national round, where they impressed judges and ultimately placed second.
During the competition, the learners showcased advanced mechanical engineering and coding skills through the development of innovative agricultural robots designed to solve real-world farming challenges.
One robot was engineered to plant seeds and activate irrigation systems, functioning like an excavator to deliver various seed types and trigger watering mechanisms. The second robot utilised a colour sensor to identify and harvest ripe and dead fruits while leaving unripe ones intact. It further demonstrated precision by sorting harvested produce into separate compartments.
The Palabora Foundation extended special appreciation to coaches Method Ngwenya and Akani Mathebula for their dedication and guidance, which played a crucial role in preparing the learners for the competition.
The team was represented by learners Xiluva Matshimana, Lesego Elton Nkosi, Mathebula Yinhla, Maringa Lulama Emmanuel, Mathebula Dineo Faith, Katekani Rixongile Khosa, Ntsakiso Mtileni, and Siyanda Ngwenya.
