Ms Bafedile Kgwadi (NRF-SAASTA), addressing the Guests on importance of Science Centres

A momentous occasion unfolded as the St Peter Development Foundation officially handed over what will be the first Science and Robotics Centre in Mhluzi. The Centre, developed by the St Peter Development Foundation, was transferred to TechnoAfrika to serve as a hub for science engagement, education, and awareness. The official opening ceremony was led by Ms. Bafedile Kgwadi (NRF-SAASTA), Mrs. Bandrazana Mahlangu (Mpumalanga Department of Education), and Professor Wesi (Chairperson of SAASTEC).

Muzi Khumalo, a Director of the St Peter Development Foundation and the St Peter Christian College, expressed enthusiasm for the milestone, stating, “Through our partnership with TechnoAfrika Science, we aim to shape education for all. This Centre is dedicated to innovation, learning, and equipping young minds to thrive in a tech-driven world.”

A Strategic Partnership for Science and Technology

The St Peter Development Foundation operates under Christian Outreach for Africa (COFA), a USA-based faith organization committed to alleviating poverty in Africa through sustainable projects. COFA focuses on quality education, basic healthcare, affordable housing, and employment opportunities, ensuring long-term benefits for underprivileged communities.

The partnership with TechnoAfrika began when the latter started supporting the St Peter Christian College by providing practical science, technology, and robotics education. Recognizing the impact of these programs, the St Peter Development Foundation allocated two classrooms for TechnoAfrika’s after-school STEM initiatives. Encouraged by the success, they expanded the initiative into a full-fledged Science and Robotics Centre, benefiting not just their school but the broader Mhluzi community.

The collaboration is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in which the St Peter Development Foundation provides the facility and commits to its gradual development into a fully-fledged Science Centre. In return, TechnoAfrika will utilize the space to enhance STEM education at their school while extending science engagement programs to other schools and the local community.

Addressing the Gap in Science and Technology Infrastructure

For years, students in Middelburg and Nkangala have faced significant challenges in accessing quality Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) education. In many schools, science remains a subject taught primarily through textbooks, with little to no access to practical experimentation. Shockingly, approximately 92% of schools in the region lack fully operational science laboratories, depriving learners of the opportunity to conduct experiments and engage in hands-on scientific discovery.

The situation is even more dire in Nkangala District, which stands as the only district in Mpumalanga without a nationally accredited and government-funded Science Centre. Without a dedicated space for STEM education, students are left at a disadvantage, unable to explore the wonders of science and technology in a meaningful way.

The newly established Science and Robotics Centre aims to change this reality. Designed as a hub for interactive learning, the Centre will provide students with the chance to see, touch, and experience science like never before. It will serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of STEM subjects. Additionally, the Centre will play a critical role in supporting the Department of Education’s efforts in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) subjects, including the growing fields of Coding and Robotics.

Beyond academic support, this initiative aspires to shape the future of the region by inspiring the next generation of technocrats, leaders, and innovators. By equipping young minds with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world, the Centre is laying the foundation for a skilled and motivated workforce—one that will drive progress and innovation for years to come.

A Vision for the Future

TechnoAfrika envisions expanding the Science and Robotics Centre into the Mandla Khumalo Science and Robotics Centre—a comprehensive science hub for Mhluzi. Their ultimate goal is to establish a world-class TechnoAfrika Discovery Centre in Krokodile Street, a proposed facility that would serve Middelburg and, eventually, the entire Nkangala District.

The decision to relocate from their previous facility at Wolma Farm, 12 km from town, to the new Centre in Mhluzi ensures greater accessibility for students and educators. While the new facility is smaller, it aligns with TechnoAfrika’s current capacity and sustainability goals, making outreach programs more effective and cost-efficient.

A Step Towards Inclusive STEM Education

The opening of the Science and Robotics Centre marks a significant step towards inclusive, practical, and community-driven STEM education. By bridging the gap in science infrastructure and fostering a culture of innovation, this initiative promises to empower local youth and shape a future where technology and education drive progress.

With continued support from stakeholders, educators, and the broader community, the dream of a fully-fledged Science Centre for Mhluzi is well on its way to becoming a reality.