Bringing space tech to rural schools

Students at the Umfolozi TVET’s Mandeni Digital Centre will be the first of more than 500 to participate in a STEM education programme focusing on space studies, Lego robotics and coding.

Championed by the South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation, in partnership with the Moses Kotane Institute, UKZN@STEC and Vodacom, the programme aims to stimulate multi-disciplinary thinking through space science and technology engagement.

The foundation, which falls under the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, was founded by 39-year-old Thabani Mazibuko of Groutville, who grew up herding his village’s livestock in Ulundi while nurturing a passion for designing space rockets and planes using cow dung, sticks and clay soil with his friends.

The programme will be offered at all digital centres in the province, with the first to be held at Mandeni.

Mazibuko said Lego robotics has been chosen as a way to excite and engage the youth in engineering, exposing them to design, planning, construction and reconstruction.

The skills obtained will prepare participants for a variety of careers aligned to the industry.

The foundation was a finalist in Earth Observation’s African Space-tech Challenge 2020, which aims to develop the African space industry, particularly the downstream sector, by empowering innovators, entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses in the space technology sector.

The foundation seeks sponsorships and donations to further bolster the programme. Those interested in contributing can email thabani@spacetechfoundation.co.za or call 076 091 8661.

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