By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Nine determined learners from Sentinel Primary School have made history by becoming national robotics champions and earning a place at the World Robotics International Championships in Singapore.
Their journey has been one of sacrifice, grit, and relentless hard work. With no holidays and no break times, the team dedicated countless hours to building and programming their robots, determined to prove that excellence can come from even the smallest communities.
Because the Free State does not host a provincial robotics competition, the team had to travel to KwaZulu-Natal to qualify. On 2 August, at Curro Salt Rock, three Sentinel teams competed against some of the province’s top schools. Two teams won first place and one came second, securing spots at the National World Robotics Olympiad.
On 13 September, the young innovators travelled to Pretoria’s Hatfield Arena to face hundreds of schools from across South Africa.
Against all odds, they brought home two national first-place trophies and a third-place finish. The winning teams will represent South Africa at the international championships in Singapore from 26–28 November.
“After a lot of hard work, our learners were crowned national champions,” said coaches Nomfundo Langa and Letlaka Mphuti.
“Their success is proof that commitment and teamwork can achieve extraordinary things.”The winning team members are Takudzwa Makombe, Lereko Mokhehle, Tatyana Mosia, Tlhonolofatso Motsieloa, Bohlokoa Finger, Nqubeko Khoza, Bradley Hlanganyane, Mosa Motsoeneng and Mpolokeng Makgohlo.
Their success is about more than trophies. It’s a story of resilience and vision. While others rested, these learners spent every spare moment perfecting their robots. In the process, they built a culture of excellence that has lifted the entire Qwaqwa community.
The town now beams with pride as these young champions prepare to carry the national flag on the world stage. Their story proves that with discipline, courage and teamwork, world-class innovation can emerge from anywhere.
