The spirit of innovation and 21st-century problem-solving skills were on full display at the second Coding & Robotics Inter-School Challenge hosted by the Ardagh for Education programme and its implementing partners, PROTEC (Programme for Technological Careers), at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in December.

The three-day district competition has become a highlight of the Ardagh for Education programme, which aims to foster high-quality STEM teaching and learning in the communities around Ardagh’s South African operations. The challenge brought together learners from 31 primary and secondary schools across three districts in Gauteng. Learners tackled the 2025 theme -Transportation - designing, building and programming robotic solutions to improve mobility, safety and efficiency.

The winners of this prestigious competition were:

Best overall robot:

• Isiziba Primary (Intermediate Phase)
• Asser Maloka Secondary (Senior Phase)

Best overall coding:

• Thembalikazulu Primary (Intermediate Phase)
• Thuto-Ke-Maatla Engineering SOS (Senior Phase)

Best team spirit:

• Alra Park Primary (Intermediate Phase)
• Windmill Park Secondary (Senior Phase)

Judges Award:

• Isiziba Primary

Best Plant:

Clayville

The thrilling provincial finale on 4 December was graced by senior government and industry leaders, underscoring the national importance of STEM development, as well as representatives from Ardagh’s senior leadership team.

Special guest and judge Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Science and Innovation and PROTEC Ambassador, commended the initiative. “The solutions presented here today are a microcosm of the technological future South Africa must build. Investing in these young minds is not an option; it is an imperative for our country’s competitiveness and sustainable development. This programme exemplifies the hands-on, applied learning that will drive innovation and grow our economy.”

Antony Hlungwane, Chairman of the Board at PROTEC, addressed the finalists. “To our phenomenal learners: you are the coders, engineers, and problem-solvers of tomorrow and today you proved you are already here. A special acknowledgment must go to your teachers: their dedication and guidance are evident in every line of code and every ingenious robotic design. We at PROTEC are deeply honoured to be Ardagh’s chosen partner in this transformative journey, and we are committed to continuous improvement and expansion of these vital programmes.”

Perumal Veeren Padayachee, Chief Educational Specialist for the Senior Phase at the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), emphasised the critical role of collaboration. “The impact of this public-private partnership is tangible in our classrooms and on this competition floor. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ardagh for partnering with PROTEC and the GDE. This model provides essential resources, teacher training and inspiration that directly amplifies our curriculum and opens doors for our learners.” 

“At Ardagh, we see firsthand the need for skilled engineers. Starting early is key. The time we invest in mentoring these learners is an investment in our industry’s future,” shared Selemo Magatikele, Ardagh’s Senior HR Executive.

Simangaliso Mahlangu, Ardagh’s Executive: HR says “Ardagh for Education Coding & Robotics Inter-School Challenge reflects Ardagh’s commitment to empowering young minds with future-ready skills. By fostering creativity and problem-solving through STEM education, we are helping shape innovators who will drive sustainable solutions for tomorrow.”

Celebrating the 2025 Champions

Kamohelo Charity Masemola, a teacher from the triumphant Isiziba Primary School in Ekurhuleni North, which won Best Overall Robot and the Judges Award, said: “Our hearts are bursting with pride! This victory belongs to our incredible principal, the hardworking teachers and most importantly, our brilliant learners who never stopped believing. We are immensely grateful to Ardagh and PROTEC for the unwavering support, training and resources that made this achievement possible for our school.”

From Thuto-Ke-Maatla Engineering School of Specialisation, also in Ekurhuleni North, learner Kgopotso Motloutsi reflected on her team’s win for Best Overall Coding: “Winning this award is unreal! It wasn’t just about one person; it was about our team’s spirit, late nights debugging code together and never giving up. This opportunity from Ardagh has shown us that our skills have real power, and for that, we are so thankful.”

Notes for Editors

A Partnership Building South Africa’s STEM Future

Ardagh for Education is Ardagh Group’s global 10-year commitment to fostering high-quality STEM teaching and learning. In South Africa, the programme aims to reach over 200 schools, 1,100 educators and 300,000 learners by 2035, investing in the communities where Ardagh operates to ‘make packaging for good’.

Championed by Ardagh Ambassador and Springbok rugby star Damian Willemse, the Ardagh for Education programme is implemented on the ground by PROTEC. Now in its second year, the partnership focuses on comprehensive teacher development, resource provision—including mobile science labs—and hands-on learner engagement.