Last Wednesday (28 June), Ozias Davhana Secondary School in Mpheni attracted significant attention as learners from local schools gathered to commemorate the Day of the African Child. The event also celebrated the remarkable achievement of four learners from Ozias Davhana Secondary School who had won the SITA CSR High School Robotics and Coding Challenge four months prior, receiving a remarkable prize of R1.1 million.
Under the theme "The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment," the Day of the African Child event saw the presence of dignitaries from the Limpopo Office of the Premier, local councillors, traditional leaders, and other prominent figures. Attendees were treated to engaging gumboot and tshigombela dances, insightful book reviews, and well-prepared speeches by the four winning learners, who had the opportunity to showcase their impressive robotic project.
Tshikala, one of the winning learners, highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting the potential of children. In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the learners aimed to make a significant contribution to the digital environment.
The project developed by the learners aimed to assist disabled and elderly individuals in their community who lacked caregivers or siblings to look after them. Their solution involved a programmed robot that provided food, medication, and mobility assistance at specific times throughout the day.
During the event, Ms Tlou Matjeke, the assistant director of children, older persons, and military veterans at the Office of the Premier, emphasised the desire to showcase the capabilities of African children and their potential for greatness. The invitation extended to learners from 13 schools aimed to demonstrate that African children, including those from Limpopo, have the capacity to create positive change and make a lasting impact in the digital landscape.