Educators from Free State and Northern Cape schools at the Komatsu and Harmony Educator Workshop.

The Komatsu and Harmony Educator Workshop, held from 10 – 12 February 2026, brought together educators from Free State and Northern Cape schools. These were schools identified in areas where Komatsu and Harmony have operations. It was a symphony of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, with educators being equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources they needed to improve their teaching skills.

Mr. SG Mpotle from the Free State Department opened the event by underlining the role of teachers in shaping their pupils’ futures. “Teachers teach eternity, touch eternity, and make a lifelong difference,” he stated, and his words rang true with the educators. The event was a call to action for educators to “empower learners to be valuable people for the future” and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing world.

As the workshop commenced, Dr. Moloko Matlala, Manager of the Science Education section at SAASTA, introduced the background of the workshop, highlighting the need for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments in science and technology. He encouraged educators to keep an open mind and be ready to learn, emphasizing the importance of using the resources provided to benefit their learners

The first day was a flurry of activity, with educators diving into the world of Robotics and Coding, under the expert guidance of Prof. Patricia Gouws and Andzani Sibiya from UNISA. As they worked together, creating and programming robots, the air was filled with a buzz of creativity and collaboration. “This is amazing!” exclaimed one educator, “I had no idea my students could learn so much from this!” The session was a testament to the power of hands-on learning, where educators and learners alike could explore, discover, and create.

On the second day, the workshop broke into two groups, with one group attending a Life Science Workshop conducted by SANBI, and the other group participating in an Electricity and Magnetism Workshop conducted by 4IR Innovations. The Life Science Workshop, led by Mr. Armstrong Mashakeni and Mpho Sishuka, explored the scientific principles underlying biodiversity, from molecular level to ecosystems. The educators engaged in interactive activities, including food webs and observing cells via microscopes, to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, which renewed a passion for teaching for the educators in attendance.

Meanwhile, the Electricity and Magnetism Workshop, led by Senele Goba and Nomzamo Tholi from 4IR Innovations, was abuzz with excitement, as educators explored the wonders of electrical circuits. “This is exactly what our learners need,” said one educator, “hands-on experience that makes learning fun and engaging!” The session was a testament to the power of practical learning, where educators could see the theoretical concepts come to life.

The Intellectual Property Management session was a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of protecting creative works and innovations. Educators delved into the basics of patents, copyrights, and trademarks, and discovered how to apply this knowledge to support their learners in developing innovative ideas and projects. As they broke into groups and presented their assigned topics, it became clear that the educators had gained a deeper understanding of the subject matter and were eager to share their newfound knowledge with their learners. The session was a testament to the value of intellectual property education in empowering learners to become creative problem-solvers and innovators.

Dr. James Tlhabane, Professional Officer from SAASTA, also took center stage, advocating for the participation of learners in science Olympiads and fairs, emphasizing the importance of encouraging all learners to participate, not just the top performers. He encouraged educators to identify and nurture the hidden talents of their learners, and to provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. Dr. Tlhabane’s session was a call to action, urging educators to empower their learners to become innovators and problem-solvers.

The workshop also included a session on the Blue School project, led by SAEON, which introduced educators to a Blue School education programme. Educators learned about the programme’s goals, which include promoting sustainable ocean practices and encouraging learners to become innovators and leaders in their communities. Through the presentations from the SAEON team, educators gained a deeper understanding of ocean connections, ocean literacy principles, and the importance of developing research projects that focus on ocean conservation. As they explored the possibilities of implementing the Blue Schools programme in their own schools, educators were inspired to create a new generation of ocean stewards and leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

The closure of the workshop saw Tebalo Tsatsi, a Professional Officer from SAASTA, thanking everyone for their participation and encouraging educators to pass on the knowledge they had acquired to their learners. The educators left with valuable resources, including electrical kits, robotic kits, and teacher manuals, to enhance their teaching and engage their learners.

The feedback from the educators was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the diverse and engaging sessions. They appreciated the opportunity to learn new things, even in areas outside their subject expertise, and recognised the value of these experiences in enhancing their teaching skills. The Komatsu and Harmony Educator Workshop was a resounding success, empowering educators to inspire and educate their learners, and ultimately shaping the future of our country.