Latest news with #iLembe
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
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. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Three division wins for iLembe in Ballito Pro Rookie Rippers kickoff
Three division wins for iLembe in Ballito Pro Rookie Rippers kickoff iLembe's young surfers lit up their home waters to claim three of the eight division titles in the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers competition. Held from Sunday to Tuesday, the first event of this year's Ballito Pro attracted some of the country's best U18 surfers, who showcased their talent on the North Coast. Home break advantage and strong beach support helped local surfers post high scores and multiple podium finishes. There was a clean sweep in the U12 division, with Ella van der Made and Jackson Myers taking the girls' and boys' titles respectively. Van der Made was in a league of her own in the final, registering a combined score of 13.17 – more than double that of the second-placed surfer. Fellow locals Lila Prinsloo and Billi Bo Baker finished fourth and fifth. Myers was equally dominant in occasionally tricky scoring conditions. His combined 13.84 points included a cracking 8.67 final wave, sealing a commanding win. iLembe teammate Logan Venter also reached the final, finishing fourth. The third local victory came from Marcello Zedde, a serial gold medallist, who triumphed in an all-iLembe final. His score of 11.84 earned him top spot ahead of teammates Jackson Myers (competing just 20 minutes after his U12 win), Johnjon Clark and Tyler Balfour. Other strong local finishes included: Max Kauffman – 3rd (U16 girls), Lila Aszalos – 4th (U16 girls), Ashton Sangster – 3rd (U16 boys), Levi Vosloo – 4th (U16 boys) and Catherine Jacob – 4th (U18 girls). The results mark a strong showing for the iLembe district and a promising start to the Ballito Pro week. For full results, visit Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Dawnheights cricketer Kevin Chitungo selected to veterans Dolphins team
Dawnheights Cricket Club bowler Kevin Chitungo has been selected to represent KwaZulu-Natal in the upcoming interprovincial veterans' competition. Chitungo was named to the KZN Dolphins Over-40 team last month and is now preparing for the tournament in Gqeberha, set to run from 18-24 May. He will compete alongside former professionals and well-known players in what promises to be a fiercely contested series. 'We are thrilled to see Kevin achieve this milestone,' said iLembe cricket president, Desigan Pillay. 'His dedication to the sport and his leadership on and off the field have made a lasting impact on the club and the broader cricketing community.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
