Letlaka Mphuthi, of The Sentinel Primary School in Witsieshoek, the Free State, has been named the 2024 Sifiso EdTech Coding and Robotics Teacher of the Year. Sifiso EdTech announced this on Saturday, October 5, marketing Teacher Appreciation Day. Mphuthi earned the distinction by his commitment to making coding and robotics both exciting and accessible to his students. His creative, hands-on approach has sparked a passion for technology among students who previously believed STEM careers were out of their reach. Under his direction, Mphuthi’s students have excelled in national and provincial coding competitions, frequently surpassing more seasoned teams.
The robotics team at his school most recently won first place in a regional competition, establishing them as future innovators.
“Mr. Mphuthi isn’t just our teacher; he’s a mentor who believes in us even when we doubt ourselves,” one of his students said. It used to seem impossible to code, but these days it’s exhilarating. He has shown us that anything is possible if we put in the necessary effort and imagination.
Outside of the classroom, Mphuthi has developed an innovative and inquisitive culture at The Sentinel Primary School by turning it into a local STEM hub. He started robotics workshops and after-school coding clubs, igniting previously uninterested pupils’ interest in technology. His endeavours have led to multiple individual coding honours for his learners and two of his students are currently fighting for national STEM scholarships.
Mphuthi participates in community activities as well. By doing workshops with parents, nearby companies, and collaborators, he has established a network of support for education centred around technology. His efforts have drawn the attention of nearby IT companies, who have partnered with him and contributed tools and resources to help him in his mission to equip South Africa’s young with technology.
Teachers who are in the forefront of preparing students for the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are recognised with the Sifiso EdTech Coding and Robotics Teacher of the Year Award. In addition to receiving a R10,000 cash incentive as part of his achievement, Mphuthi has been promoted to the esteemed position of Sifiso EdTech Gold Ambassador within the company’s Trailblazer Teachers program. In this capacity, he will continue to push for the expansion of robotics and coding instruction throughout South Africa, mentor other educators, and present his knowledge at conferences for educators.
“We are incredibly proud to honour Letlaka Mphuthi as the 2024 Sifiso EdTech Coding and Robotics Teacher of the Year,” said Xoliswa Mahlangu, head of digital learning and technology at Sifiso EdTech, in a congratulations note to Mphuthi. His commitment, ingenuity, and love for utilising technology to mould his kids’ futures are incredibly motivating. Letlaka is an excellent example of how educators may take the lead in incorporating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) competencies into the classroom. We can’t wait to witness the lasting influence he will have as a Sifiso EdTech Gold Ambassador.
