Learners arriving at the venue
The Tangible programme, linked to Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Computing Sciences and led by Professor Jean Greyling, was hosted with Think Big Spaces as part of an international tournament connecting Gqeberha participants with peers worldwide.
The project makes coding education accessible through low-cost, game-based methods aligned with the University’s community engagement and digital skills goals.
The TANKS coding app, developed in 2017 by BSc Honours student Byron Batteson, evolved into the Tangible programme, now offering 10 coding apps and additional resources.
Participants joined an online global session before moving to the in-person competition, hosted at Fathers House Church in Gqeberha.
Young girls engaging in coding
Learners demonstrated problem-solving, logic and creativity using simple tools that require no specialised equipment and can be used with or without devices.
Tangible's Regional Coordinator for the Nelson Mandela Bay region Sisikelelwe Mtambeka noted the strong turnout reflects the growth of the Mandela Bay 100 project, which runs six-session coding clubs across metro schools, introducing Tangible’s hands-on approach and encouraging continued classroom use.
The event promoted STEM opportunities for girls and highlighted the importance of early digital skills exposure, especially for young women underrepresented in technology.
Top-performing teams receive their prizes.
Winners were announced internationally, with top local teams from Motherwell High School taking first and second place, and Alexander Road High School placing third.
Teachers supported learners throughout, demonstrating how the programme enables coding education without specialised equipment. Stakeholders and partners also supported the initiative, reinforcing the role of collaboration in educational impact.
The Tangible Girls Coding Tournament 2026 demonstrates the impact of combining education, innovation, and empowerment to build a more inclusive, digitally skilled generation of young women.