The piloting of the draft coding and robotics curriculum in Grades R-9 is still underway in 1 569 public schools spread across the nine provinces. The draft Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) has been developed, reviewed and revised in preparation for effective implementation of the subject in all public schools. Pilot schools have been resourced with Learning and Teaching Support Material, relevant devices and kits to ensure effective teaching and learning of the subject.

Each quarter provincial coordinators of the programme meet with the Department of Basic Education to report on progress. The last meeting for the financial year took place in Polokwane, Limpopo, during which provincial coordinators discussed the progress made and the unique challenges they've come across in their respective provinces. The meeting also afforded them an opportunity to brainstorm workable solutions that will be implementable in the majority of the pilot schools.

Addressing the delegates, Mr Elijah Mhlanga, Chief Director: Media Liaison, National and Provincial Communication, commended the provincial coordinators for applying themselves fully to ensuring that South African learners are part and parcel of the digital transformation taking place in the world. “All reports indicate that there’s work taking place. In the next few years South African classrooms won’t be the same anymore; thank you for doing your best to level the playing field”, said Mhlanga, concluding the proceeding of the first day.

The second day of the Coding and Robotics Interprovincial meeting took place at one of the pilot schools, Toronto Primary School in Mankweng, Limpopo. The delegates joined the MEC for Education in Limpopo, Ms Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, as she monitored the implementation of the programme in the school. Visiting the pilot schools provides the coordinators an opportunity to monitor the actual implementation of the coding and robotics draft curriculum in each province and how the learners respond to the subject.

MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya applauded the provincial coordinators for the work done so far. "Sharing experiences enables us to evaluate our work and determine where and how we can improve. The allocation of resources determines the success of any programme and it is important that we are cognisant of the effect our planning has on teaching and learning," she remarked.