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

Bill Gates mentioned in the Epstein files? Stacey and J Sbu weigh in...

You’ve probably heard about the Epstein files hitting the headlines again, that’s the huge release of documents tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail back in 2019 while facing serious criminal charges. Epstein was connected to scores of rich and famous folks over the…
5 Feb 4 min

Confession: Break his heart or save his soul?

Every Thursday around this time, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. This week's confession was not THAT deep but Stacey and J Sbu still had opinions to share. Listen in!
5 Feb 7 min

Domestic workers’ pay rises in 2026: Here’s what South African households must know

The Department of Employment and Labour has announced the latest updates to South Africa’s National Minimum Wage, affecting domestic workers, farm workers, and other applicable employees. Following recommendations from the National Minimum Wage Council, the rate has been increased by 5%, moving from R28.79 to R30.23 per ordinary hour worked…
5 Feb 5 min

World Cancer Day: Clinical Exec answers the real questions

Today is World Cancer Day, and this year’s theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us that while every cancer journey is personal, prevention is a shared responsibility. In South Africa, the urgency is real. The National Cancer Registry recorded 87 853 new cancer cases in 2023, with experts warning the true…
4 Feb 12 min