Lizwi Gwaza, the Project Manager at Tangible Africa, has always been a beacon of hope and innovation with the domain of education. Born in Mtata and now residing in Gqeberha, Lizwi is fervently dedicated to revolutionizing the educational landscape through Tangible/Unplugged Coding. This unique initiative focuses on teaching coding without computers, targeting disadvantaged learners and making a significant impact on their academic success across various subjects.
Reflecting on his journey, Lizwi shares, “My passion for empowering youth started during my high school years. I struggled with Mathematics and Physics until Grade 12, when a dedicated teacher, Mr. Guqaza, provided extra help in Mathematics. This led to a remarkable improvement in my grades and highlighted the transformative power of mentorship.” This pivotal experience ignited Lizwi’s desire to help other learners and inspired his commitment to educational empowerment.
In 2019, Lizwi joined Tangible Africa, a project piloted by Nelson Mandela University. At the time, he was a first-year student in Information Technology (Software Development). “Joining Tangible Africa was a natural choice for me. The project’s focus on teaching coding without computers resonated deeply with my experiences and aspirations. It also provided a platform to expand its reach, particularly in the former Transkei region of the Eastern Cape,” he explains. This initiative is not just about coding; it's about providing access to knowledge and skills that can transform lives.
Coming from the rural side of the Eastern Cape, Lizwi saw the real need to take the project back to his roots and leverage relationships with the right stakeholders. One of the most significant relationships was with the Nelson Mandela family, which became a major source of inspiration for him. Organizing the annual Coding4Mandela tournament for Mandela Day and collaborating with schools in Mqhekezweni, in partnership with Mqhekezweni Great Place, are key milestones that define his journey. The first tournament, held in 2022 at Mqhekezweni Great Place, was honored by the presence of Ndaba Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson, who emphasized the importance of education in realizing career dreams. This event also facilitated a connection with the Nelson Mandela Museum, further amplifying the project's reach.
Under Lizwi's leadership, Tangible Africa has successfully rolled out Tangible Coding in numerous rural areas, including Mtata, Mqanduli, Tsolo, Qumbu, and Port St. John's in the Eastern Cape, as well as the Vhembe region in Limpopo province. These efforts have yielded remarkable results. For instance, five learners from the Eastern Cape are now pursuing Computer Science at Nelson Mandela University. One standout student, Asanda, whom Lizwi introduced to coding in 2019, achieved six distinctions in her matric results and is now studying Computer Science at NMU. These stories are testaments to the profound impact of Tangible Africa's initiatives.
Looking forward, Tangible Africa has ambitious plans. With Mandela Day approaching, the organization aims to reach 30,000 learners across the continent. In partnership with Robben Island, they plan to host a camp for 200 learners from July 17th to 19th. “These learners will be selected from at least 30 schools, continuing our mission of transforming lives through education and technology,” Lizwi shares. This partnership with Robben Island is a significant step towards broadening the scope and impact of their work.
Being a young leader comes with its challenges, both in and out of the workplace. Lizwi acknowledges that one of the most challenging aspects is gaining the trust and respect of peers and elders alike. However, he believes in the importance of delivering high-quality work and being reliable whenever granted an opportunity. “My advice to any young person is to always strive for excellence and consistency. High-quality work speaks for itself and opens doors to countless opportunities,” he advises.
Despite his busy schedule, Lizwi finds time to unwind. He enjoys reading, exploring new technologies, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities not only help him relax but also keep him grounded and inspired.
Lizwi Gwaza's journey with Tangible Africa is a story of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of education. His dedication to empowering youth and bringing innovative educational solutions to rural areas is making a tangible difference in the lives of many. As Tangible Africa continues to grow, Lizwi remains a key figure in driving its mission forward, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their background, could succeed and thrive.