After engaging more than 50,000 South African learners through Coding 4 Mandela last year, the initiative has evolved into Coding 4 Africa – a continent-wide movement that will bring together schools, libraries and community organisations from 18 July to 18 August 2026.
The initiative is coordinated by Tangible, a programme of LEVA Foundation, which grew out of the work of Professor Jean Greyling in Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences.
Prof Greyling has spent years researching practical ways to make coding education accessible to every learner.
That work laid the foundation for Tangible, which uses hands-on coding games and unplugged classroom activities to introduce learners to coding and computational thinking through play.
Rather than relying on expensive computer labs or specialist teachers, learners work together to solve increasingly complex coding challenges using physical games and guided activities.
Along the way, they develop logical thinking, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills — the same skills that underpin coding and many future careers.
"At its heart, Coding 4 Africa isn't about teaching children to code," says Prof Greyling. "It's about helping them become confident problem solvers. Coding is simply one of the ways we develop those skills."
Learners from Grade R to Grade 12 can participate in age-appropriate activities, with older learners also competing in the Coding 4 Africa Tournament. Winning teams will progress through national competitions before representing their countries at the Tangible World Cup on 5 November 2026.
The 2025 winners of the Tangible World Cup were from Stanger Primary in Kwadukuza.
The 2025 Tangible World Cup brought together 400 teams from 140 organisations across 30 countries and five continents, demonstrating the growing international reach of the initiative.
Sponsored by Amazon, Coding 4 Africa continues to expand opportunities for young people across the continent while giving teachers practical tools to introduce coding and computational thinking in their classrooms.
For Professor Greyling, the growth of Coding 4 Africa reflects the power of taking University research beyond the lecture theatre and into communities.
"Universities don't just create knowledge, they create opportunities," he says. "Seeing an idea that began at Nelson Mandela University grow into a movement that is helping young people across Africa discover their potential as problem solvers is incredibly rewarding."
As Coding 4 Africa continues to grow, it demonstrates how research, innovation and community engagement at Nelson Mandela University can have an impact far beyond the campus, creating opportunities for thousands of young people across Africa.
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