Northlands Primary dazzles at global LEGO robotics stage

Loading player...
There are celebrations all around for Northlands Primary School as their team, Smooth Sailors, achieved top honours at the Open Africa Championship (OAC) of the First Lego League (FLL).

The league was held from 7 to 9 May 2025 in Cape Town and teams from 42 countries were in attendance.

Out of the 106 teams who were invited, globally, the Smooth Sailors from Northlands Primary School were the highest-ranked SA team. They earned second place in the “Core Values” category.

Principal Mr Alistair Naidu shared praise for the team’s amazing achievement, saying: “Smooth Sailors have not only made us proud as a school, but also as a country. Their recognition at an international level speaks volumes of their dedication, humility, and ability to lead with purpose. This is the kind of global excellence we are cultivating at Northlands.”

Team lead and coach Mr. Steven Kent shared that the First Lego League was more than just coding. “It’s a gateway to lifelong learning. We’re building a generation that is curious, empathetic, and eager to solve real-world challenges. Smooth Sailors have shown that South African youth can compete with the world’s best and excel,” said the proud coach.
20 May English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

I am the woman I am because...

Stacey Norman and J Sbu invited YOU to reflect on the influential people and pivotal experiences that have shaped their identities, especially in honour of Women's Month and Woman Crush Wednesday. Stacey shares heartfelt stories about her mother’s profound impact and the transformative experiences that defined her journey after turning…
13 Aug 4 min

Kiddies Hotline: Toys at school, what would you take?

Every Wednesday, East Coast Radio’s drive time hosts, Stacey Norman and J Sbu turn into aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu! Why? So that the kids of KZN have their moment to shine on air. This week, they threw it back to their youth (and the dreams that came with)…
13 Aug 6 min

Living at home as an adult: To pay rent or not to pay rent?

You’re an adult, living at home with your family, enjoying mum’s cooking, dad’s random life lectures and the comfort of never running out of toilet paper. Then one day, as you’re about to grab that last slice of bread, a bombshell drops… “We need to talk about you contributing.” Paying…
11 Aug 10 min