In 1988 Nelson Mandela advised his granddaughter Nandi on the education of her son:
“He must be taught in the computer field because that is the future and that is going to change our lives.”
How do schools register a show interest?
Schools can register a show of interest on this form.
Who is Tangible Africa?
The bigger Tangible Africa project started in 2017 when a postgraduate student at Nelson Mandela University, Byron Batteson, developed the TANKS coding app. The purpose of the app has been from the start to introduce learners to coding concepts without the need for computers, electricity or the internet.
Since 2017 the project, a collaboration between Nelson Mandela University and Leva Foundation, has reached over 200,000 learners. The project is now also reaching out to countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.
What is #Coding4Mandela
The #Coding4Mandela event takes place across South Africa, as well as the rest of Africa, in July 2025
Since July2018 Tangible Africa has been presenting #Coding4Mandela, in various formats. Last year saw over 32,000 learners participate at 70 sites across South Africa as well as in a few other African countries.
We are looking forward to as many as possible cities, townships and rural villages hosting tournaments.
What formats does the event take on?
National Coding Tournaments
Learners (from Grade 4 and older) compete in teams of 5 to see who is the most efficient in solving the RANGERS coding levels. For schools who have not participated, adequate training will happen early in May. Tournaments can be presented at a single school, or a central venue where a number of schools compete against each other. Winning teams from each tournament will compete in a national virtual competition in August, and stand the chance to represent South Africa in the annual virtual World Championship on 29 September. Last year over 50 teams from nearly 20countries participated.
Mandela Themed activities/lessons in the classroom
As part of our Teacher Support project, Tangible Africa is distributing free Coding & Robotics lessons via our Chatbot. The lessons are aligned to the new curricula from Grade R to 9. As part of Mandela month, the lessons will be around the theme of the month and schools can participate by implementing these lessons in their classrooms. Photos of these activities are submitted.
Lucky draws for participating schools to win Tangible Africa Coding Kits worth R5500 each.
#Coding4Mandela Dance Video
Last year over 70 schools across Africa sent us videos of their learners dancing the #Coding4Mandela song.
Participating schools stand the chance of winning various cash prizes worth at least R20,000.
Lucky draws for participating schools to win Tangible Africa Coding Kits worth R5500 each.
R6000 for the submitted video with the biggest WOW factor.
More prizes to be announced later - register to be updated!
