The Willowmoore High School robotics team, SD Decryptors, obtained third place at the Pan African Robotics Competition (PARC) held in Senegal in July.
Competing against 72 other teams, they finished behind Ghana’s SOS and the Gambia’s Kids In Technology.
They competed in the stars league where they were challenged to build a robot and drone to ease climate change adaptation challenges.
The robot had to be programmed to create flood protection barriers and pick up sand balls and throw them through a window.
“We had to build the robot in six days using PARC material. We had to cut each part to size using a saw and then put all the parts together. We didn’t use an instruction manual. It was pure team thinking and problem-solving,” said Luke Chetty.
The team comprised of Chetty, Beyonce Magagula, Kellina Mariquele, John Tshibambe, Muhammed Yusuf Ally, Sharon Sithole, Abdullah Sulimani, Millan Murowanidzwa and mentors Zainaz Hansa and Dinal Nagar.
Millan explained that he will implement all the things he learnt in Senegal in his everyday life.
“Working on the robot was nice. Having to go out and have to cut the parts and learn how some robots work and function is something I can use outside of school.
“We are moving into a fast-paced time where everything is becoming more advanced. Going to the competition and getting myself a robot was something beneficial to me,” he said.
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Sharon Sithole stated that the competition proved that women can excel in male-dominated industries.
“We were honoured to represent the country. It showed that we can achieve our dreams no matter what.
“Robotics is a male-dominated field so having females in our team spoke to many South African women that it’s possible,” she said.
Dinal explained that competitions like the First Lego League (FLL) and PARC play an important role in encouraging the youth to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
“We need more funding and sponsorship because these competitions have the potential to have a larger scale impact.”
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre has been supporting the school throughout its robotics journey. The centre’s Alfred Hanyane stated that because of Willowmoore’s dedication to robotics, they recommended them to partake in PARC.
“Our journey with Willowmoore started in 2017 as one of our teams participating in the FLL international robotics competition.
“Throughout mentoring the school they have improved and performed well in all aspects of the competition – robot design, programming, innovation and teamwork.”
Principal Lorna Saunders said the school is very proud of the team’s achievement.
“I’m proud of them for the fact that they took this opportunity and ran with it. The opportunities this has given them are amazing. They have made links with international universities and people working in the robotics field,” she said.
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