VEREENIGING – Fundamental Private School has once again put the Vaal Triangle on the national map after its LEGO Tronics robotics team delivered an outstanding performance at the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) National Championships.

Representing the Vereeniging-based school, LEGO Tronics competed against some of South Africa’s top young robotics teams during the 2025/26 season, showcasing strong skills in science, technology and teamwork.

The team first made its mark at the Gauteng South Sci-Bono Regional on 1 November 2025, where it secured second place overall out of 69 teams. The result earned LEGO Tronics a coveted spot at the FLL South Africa National Championships – Northern regions, held on December 5 and 6.

At the national event, the team competed against 72 leading teams from across the country and achieved an impressive overall seventh place. LEGO Tronics was also awarded third place in the Core Values category, which recognises teamwork, professionalism and cooperation – key pillars of the FIRST® LEGO® League programme.

Adding to the school’s success, coach Zelda Pretorius received the prestigious Coach’s Award, honouring her commitment to mentoring young learners and her role in developing robotics skills at grassroots level.

The FIRST® LEGO® League is a global programme that challenges learners to design, build and code autonomous robots while solving real-world problems through innovation and collaboration. Each season introduces a new theme that encourages critical thinking and creativity.

Looking ahead, LEGO Tronics will compete in one more FLL season, while several team members will advance to the FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC). They will join the TekSense FTC team, run as an extra-mural activity through Trophy Computers & Robotics, with their first regional competition scheduled for January 24, 2026.

The achievements highlight Fundamental Private School’s growing focus on STEM education and its commitment to preparing learners for future careers in science and engineering.