Astron Energy and Ort Sa Celebrate Tomorrow’s Innovators at the 2025 Let Kidz Code Year End Exhibition

This year’s Let Kidz Code exhibition was a resounding success as it showcased the power of innovation, creativity, and youth empowerment in South Africa’s classroom. The programme, powered by Astron Energy and implemented by ORT SA, equips learners with the essential coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking through hands-on technology projects. By empowering students to design solutions to real-world challenges, Let Kidz Code helps build confidence, digital competence, and a passion for innovation.

Both winning projects came from Michael Mkhwanazi Primary School from the East Rand, demonstrating the incredible innovation and teamwork of its young coders.

The Judges’ Choice Award went to Crime Stopper, an emergency alert (panic button) system designed for learner safety. When in distress, a student can trigger the system to send instant SOS messages to both parents and local police, ensuring rapid response during emergencies.

The Audience Choice Award went to:  Ambulance Roll Call, — a system that connects schools directly with hospitals and parents when a child falls ill. It provides instant notifications about a learner’s health status, allergies, or medical emergencies, ensuring timely communication and parental awareness.

Beyond the projects, the exhibition highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in South Africa’s education system. Poovan Chetty of the Gauteng East District and Ms. Pinkie Khomo, Principal of Phumlani Primary School, each delivered heartfelt remarks about the need to nurture technology skills from an early age. Their messages underscored a shared belief: when young people are given the tools to understand technology, they are better equipped to shape their own futures.

ORT SA CEO, Ariellah Rosenberg said:,

“Over the years, we’ve seen Let Kidz Code alumni go on to achieve incredible things, taking what they’ve learned further, and becoming role models in their communities. Their success is proof that when corporate and education sectors work hand in hand, we build a generation capable of shaping a better future.”

This year’s exhibition was a powerful reminder that South Africa’s next generation of innovators is already here, creative, compassionate, and ready to code for good.