A small group of young South Africans just broke a world record and won gold at the World Robotic Olympics!!!
FIRST Global organizes a yearly international robotics challenge to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among the more than two billion youths across the world.
Established as a US-based not-for-profit public charity to provide the framework for an “Olympics”-style robotics challenge, FIRST Global invites one team from every nation to participate in an international robotics event that builds bridges between high school students with different backgrounds, languages, religions, and customs.
“By bringing these future STEM leaders together in an engaging and collaborative competition that drives home the importance, excitement, and applicability of STEM education, FIRST Global inspires students to learn the skills they will need to make the discoveries their parents and grandparents would consider miracles, impossibilities, or just plain science fiction.”
And this year… the South African team called the Spring Bots, broke records, won a gold and finished off in 6th place overall out of 175 other teams!
“They attributed their breaking of the record to Madiba on what would have been his 100 year birthday. Spirits are high and regardless of where they finish they have made themselves and their country proud. They have hundreds of people and other teams supporting them now as the once underdogs are now a force to be reckoned with, proving that you dont need to come from Silicon valley to compete in this space, but rather that all you need is the will to succeed!” – Jason English, CEO of CG Holdings and Headline Sponsor of the Spring Bots.
The Spring Bots consisted of four incredible young South Africans, each with their own set of skills.
Barbara Moagi, a grade 12 learner at Hoerskool Uitsig, head girl and honorary white blazer wearer, and the Team Spokesperson, Dzanga Matodzi, a grade 9 learner at Hoerskool Uitsig, Masana Phumudzo Mashapha, a grade 10 learner at Pretoria Girls High, Tshenolo Mokwana, a grade 11 learner at Olievenhoutbos Secondary School, and Team Captain Mikhaeel Reddy, a grade 12 learner at Hoerskool Uitsig, head boy and honorary white blazer wearer.
The Spring Bots won the highest amount of points in the competition, breaking a world record, and went on to win gold from Walt Disney for their rating of the greatest team story and journey. It was also the first time Walt Disney has ever issued this award.
Team South Africa went on to finish in 6th place… what an amazing story! Proudly South African and proud of South Africa.
by 
That’s such an inspiration to read. Well done to the team. Congratulations, I hope that you are interviewed across South Africa and that your news spreads. You are the examples we need on our news. Thanks and all the best.