GDE SciBOTICS Competition 2025: Gauteng Launches Coding & Robotics Challenge for Learners

The Gauteng Department of Education has opened registrations for the GDE SciBOTICS Competition 2025, its flagship coding and robotics contest for learners in Grade R through Grade 11. The announcement follows MEC for Education Matome Chiloane’s appearance on #POWERTalk with Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power 98.7, where he underscored the province’s commitment to embedding technology and innovation in the classroom (Power 98.7

The competition, themed around outer space exploration, challenges learners to “Think It. Build It. Code It. Win It.” across four categories, with top entrants receiving prizes. Developed in collaboration with Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, the programme is positioned as part of the broader STREAM education strategy, extending STEM learning into creativity and problem-solving for young learners.

Chiloane told #POWERTalk listeners that initiatives like SciBOTICS are critical to preparing Gauteng’s learners for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. His interview also emphasised equity of access, noting the Department’s efforts to expand opportunities beyond elite schools to township and rural learners (Power 98.7 YouTube).

The competition builds on momentum from earlier robotics events in Gauteng, including the SpringBots SA regional tournament in June, which drew 169 learners and advanced winners to a national final in Sandton (Citizen).

Implications
Opening registration to learners as young as Grade R signals a strategic shift: positioning coding and robotics not as niche activities but as mainstream educational pillars. This aligns with policy moves to grow a digitally skilled youth workforce in South Africa, while addressing disparities in access to innovation tools.

Conclusion
The GDE SciBOTICS Competition 2025 reflects Gauteng’s commitment to harnessing STREAM education to drive inclusion and innovation. As learners register through gdescibotics.co.za, the programme’s success will hinge on participation from diverse schools, its ability to inspire creativity, and sustained departmental support—an agenda clearly signaled in MEC Chiloane’s recent #POWERTalk discussion.