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 2025 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Tourism in South Africa: Is it an economic lifeline or local disruption?

Is tourism South Africa’s economic lifeline, bringing jobs and billions into the country, or is it slowly eroding local lifestyles and pricing residents out of their own communities? J Sbu painted the following picture: A German couple lands at OR Tambo. They hire a car, sleep in a guesthouse, eat…
10 Mar 13 min

KZN Budget Tabled: What does it really mean?

Provincial Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has today outlined KwaZulu-Natal's spending plans, detailing how R168 billion will be allocated across provincial departments. This marks an increase from last year’s R158 billion budget. However, we'd firstly like to know what tabling a budget means and the big question on everyone's lips, why…
10 Mar 3 min

Inside SA’s violent CIT heists: How to protect yourself in the crossfire

A cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery on the N2 southbound in Durban on Wednesday morning has again placed the spotlight on the risks linked to these crimes, despite a recent decline in overall incidents. According to Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa (CITASA) head Grant Clark, the industry continues to strengthen security interventions…
5 Mar 4 min

Parents Hotline: After kids, do you understand your parents better?

It’s time for Parents Hotline, where we talk about the real stuff behind raising kids. Today, Stacey and J Sbu asked you: Now that you have your own kids, do you understand your parents better? We heard from quite a few people who talked about their own struggles growing up…
4 Mar 12 min

What is the most amount of money you have ever saved?

Every Wednesday, the little ones of our province take over our airwaves with their cuteness. It’s a chance for the kids of KZN to share something with us. This week, aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu asked you: What is the most amount of money you have ever saved? Here's…
4 Mar 3 min