18-07-2025
KwaDukuza teacher earns international plaudits for STEM initiatives
Coding champion Dr Mogambal Moonsamy has been honoured internationally for transforming tech education in KwaDukuza's no-fee schools.
Dr Moonsamy (53) recently received international acclaim at the 28th World School Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, for her contributions to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) development.
The three-day global event, held from July 3 to 5, brought together education leaders and innovators from over 30 countries. Dr Moonsamy was one of three South African representatives and flew the flag for KwaZulu-Natal.
She received three awards: the Lifetime Contribution in STEM Award, Speaker Award and Panellist Award. In addition, she was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Education by the Maryland State University in the United States, recognising her leadership in educational innovation.
'Connecting educators worldwide expanded my perspective and reaffirmed that while South Africa faces challenges, passionate leaders can bridge the educational gap,' she said.
Dr Moonsamy teaches maths and science at Iziphozethu Primary School and has been in the profession for 29 years. She serves as district convenor for coding and robotics in the iLembe district, partnering with Tangible Africa and Nelson Mandela University to advance coding initiatives.
'Over the past three years, we have broken records for participation and training in coding. Our iLembe team placed 16th at last year's World Coding Competition,' she said.
She has also contributed to maths relays, science expos and environmental programmes in partnership with the Department of Agriculture. Under her guidance, the no-fee school where she works now serves as a district resource hub, supporting other schools and child protection initiatives.
Her passion for teaching deepened after personal tragedy. She lost her husband and daughter to Covid-19, later suffering a heart attack that left her partially paralysed.
'Grief and anxiety pushed me into a dark space. But I worked my way out through purpose, introducing new ideas and driving community literacy and coding projects,' she said.
Dr Moonsamy continues to lead, mentor and innovate, proving that meaningful change in tech education starts at community level.
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