Recently, a TikTok video has caught viral heat and sparked a conversation for South Africans. Said conversation runs along the parameters of the innovators, movers and shakers young locals could become if they had the opportunities to develop tech skillsets.
The video that ignited the topic was posted by one @user38mandla7754.
It showcases a creation from a student (allegedly hailing from Limpopo) that presents a car racing game, except on cardboard medium.
@user38mandla7754this Guy is talented♬ original sound – mandla matibidi
Raw engineering, fresh creativity and what people are dubbing basic coding are all ingredients of the game.
You can hear the excitement from the other students as the little cardboard car zooms proudly.
What stood out about the video, beyond the initiative to recreate, or potentially create the design, was more-so a conversation about a talent in SA that isn’t being utilised in our schooling system.
The comment section of both the TikTok posting as well as a Twitter post saw a common thread.
If this is what the budding designer could do with cardboard, imagine what he could do with proper coding training and the right materials?
May this guy go far ??this is brilliant
— uSandz©️ (@uMaster_Sandz) August 23, 2021
Am still puzzled by de fact that government has not made coding a compulsory subject, and for de matter of fact has not even introduced it to the school curriculum. What a shame because we losing enormous talent. Imagine if this kid knew coding, and coded his game.
— PAULIESTA (@paul_thobela1) August 23, 2021
Genius this kid! ??
— Mapholoba! (@MafunzeMancinza) August 23, 2021
If only our Country had an Education system that would allow us to enhance this. There is a whole lot more from where this came from. We just need to unearth and give it the required skill sets & guidance.
— Mlungisi Zondo (@mlusique_ayama) August 23, 2021
The talent is there, we’re just disadvantaged by our current administration @MYANC
— Ramowe Mphahlele (@mphahleleobley1) August 23, 2021
Two points vibrated throughout the comment trail:
1. Coding should potentially be a compulsory subject in schools, with a huge emphasis on public and underprivileged institutions.
In the era of all things digital, it goes without saying that a skillset of a coding nature is beneficial, especially for African countries.
2. The government should consider allocating resources to talents of this nature.
The tech industry is dominating the world right now, and focus on nurturing talents like the young student’s would be ever beneficial to South Africa’s future.
Picture: Pinterest/ Bezzia