#Coding4Mandela comes to Diepsloot: empowering the next generation of tech leaders

11 July 2025
Ecaedd77 0c4c 45ad a60e 38422442982c

On 18 July 2025, as the world commemorates International Nelson Mandela Day, more than 100 young minds from Diepsloot and surrounding areas will gather at the Wot-if? Trust for a unique and powerful event, #Coding4Mandela. 

This year, the Wot-if? Trust has been selected as one of only six national flagship sites to host this exciting initiative, in collaboration with Tangible Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The coding tournament is more than a fun activity; it's a continental movement designed to equip young people with critical thinking, logic and problem-solving skills through the power of coding.

It brings Mandela’s values to life by promoting education, opportunity and innovation. Mandela Day is about action, and empowering the next generation with digital skills is one of the most meaningful ways to build a more equitable future.

Participants will use RANGERS, a mobile coding game developed by Tangible Africa, which teaches the foundations of coding without needing laptops or internet access. Learners will compete in teams using a special edition of the game called Juicy Gems, with winners moving on to national virtual finals in August and possibly the World Championship in September.

This is the second year that the Wot-if? Trust has joined the campaign. In 2024, more than 32 000 learners across Africa took part. This year, the energy and potential are even greater, thanks to the dedicated team at Wot-if?, generous sponsors and a community that believes in uplifting youth through digital education.

Support is still needed to make this day a success. Individuals, companies, and schools are invited to contribute through:

  • Sponsoring T-shirts, lunch packs or goodie bags
  • Donating prizes, books or tech gadgets
  • Volunteering on the day to help facilitate the event

Together, we can ensure this Mandela Day leaves a lasting impact.

To support or participate, contact Nokwanda Zakiyyah Shabangu, the Wot-if? Trust's Stakeholder Engagement Manager, at noks@wot-if.co.za.