A lesson in the value of coding and robotics

Contrary to some arguments, teaching this curriculum does not come at the expense of literacy and numeracy, but enhances those skills.

- By Jean Greyling

Some articles in the media over the past few weeks have made concerning statements regarding the implementation of the coding and robotics curriculums not being mandatory in “the foreseeable future”.

The Department of Basic Education's revised annual performance plan for 2025/26 is mentioned as a source document.

All the curriculums for Grade R to Grade 9 were gazetted in June 2024, and the plan was to roll out the foundation phase in 2026.

The main reason stated for not rolling it out is that the immediate focus needs to be the improvement of literacy and numeracy in Grade R to Grade 3. Furthermore, a lack of resources is stated as another reason.

The reasons mentioned in the various articles are all quite valid. Literacy and numeracy have proven to be a huge problem in South African schools over many years. A challenge regarding resources to roll out the curriculum is very real. Add to that the limited number of teachers who are equipped to teach conventional coding and robotics.

Accepting all this, there is a harsh reality we all need to face. Since we already have gazetted Curriculum and Policy Assessment Statements (Caps) curriculums, nothing stops schools that have the resources to implement the foundation phase curriculum in 2026. “Not mandatory” implies voluntary.