Northlands Primary School continues to fly the flag high for South Africa, with its standout team, Smooth Sailors, achieving top honours at the prestigious Open Africa Championship (OAC) of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL). Held from 7-9 May 2025 in Cape Town, the event brought together over 80 elite teams from 42 countries, representing the very best in global innovation and robotics education.
Among the 106 teams invited globally, the Smooth Sailors were the highest-ranked South African team, earning an outstanding second place in the coveted “Core Values” category, a reflection of their unwavering integrity, collaborative spirit, and ability to inspire those around them. The team’s exceptional performance, cements Northlands Primary’s position as a frontrunner in STEM education and innovation. In December 2024, The team placed first in the country for the same category, at the Johannesburg’s Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
“This event has had a phenomenal impact on our school, our coaches, and the learners involved,” said Mrs Shamilla Subramanien, Coding and Robotics team mentor. “The exchange of knowledge across borders and generations fostered a spirit of unity and innovation that is critical to shaping future-ready leaders. I am elated with the results and immensely proud of what our children have accomplished.”
The FIRST LEGO League, now in its third year at Northlands Primary, has evolved into a cornerstone of the school’s academic and extracurricular culture. Beyond robotics, it fosters workplace-critical skills including teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and conflict resolution traits, vital in today’s rapidly changing world.
Principal Mr. Alistair Naidu praised the team’s exceptional achievement, stating, “Smooth Sailors have not only made us proud as a school, but also as a country. Their recognition at an international level speaks volumes of their dedication, humility, and ability to lead with purpose. This is the kind of global excellence we are cultivating at Northlands.”
The championship was also a deeply enriching cultural experience, exposing learners to global peers, diverse traditions, and a rich tapestry of languages. For many students, this was the first time engaging with teams who spoke little or no English, which made every interaction a creative and collaborative interaction.
Team lead and coach Mr. Steven Kent added, “FIRST LEGO League is more than just coding, it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. We’re building a generation that is curious, empathetic, and eager to solve real-world challenges. Smooth Sailors have shown that South African youth can compete with the world’s best and excel.”
Fellow mentor and coach, Mr. Daryn Mahabeer echoed this sentiment: “This achievement is not just a trophy, it’s a marker of growth, unity, and resilience. We are witnessing the evolution of young minds who are thinking beyond boundaries, and we are deeply honoured to be part of that journey.”
Northlands Primary has become a STEM leader in Durban North and across KwaZulu-Natal, thanks to its groundbreaking work through the FIRST LEGO League. In just two years, the school has set a new standard for innovation in primary education, using Coding and Robotics to equip learners with future-ready skills and earning recognition at regional, national, and international levels.
“Being part of the Open Africa Championship was amazing! I made so many new friends from different countries and learnt how other teams approached the robot design and theme project in really cool and different ways. We got to share our South African culture too, and I felt proud representing our country. Screaming the LEGO League chants with my team made me feel part of something big, it taught me about teamwork and comradery. At just 11 years old, we’re already learning how to work with people from around the world to solve real problems using STEM. And the best part? We get to do it all while building and having fun with LEGOs!,” said Kirthan Cross, Smooth Sailors team member.
As the programme continues to grow, Northlands Primary has launched a strategic fundraising campaign, targeting R1million to support travel and logistics for the season and future tournaments. Community members, parents and corporate partners are encouraged to get involved in backing this visionary initiative.
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