Lindiwe Matlali
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Africa Teen Geeks and Apodytes
Nominated in the Category: Education
Mit welchem Digitalprojekt willst du dich in dieser Kategorie bewerben?
Africa Teen Geeks is the largest computer science education nonprofit in Africa that teaches school children and unemployed youth how to code. Earlier this year, it went into partnership with the basic education department to develop coding and robotics in the curriculum to be implemented as a compulsory subject from grade R-9. Since its inception in 2014, Africa Teen Geeks has trained over 50,000 children in computer science, with the aid of 1,300 volunteers.
How does digitization shape your/her career?
Lindiwe has worked tirelessly to bring digital education to African children though her Africa Teen geeks coding initiative which has reached over 50 000 since its founding in 2014. She didn't only influence policy in South Africa she is also instrumental in its implementation. Lindiwe's NPO is currently assisting the South African government to develop and implement a compulsory coding curriculum from Grade R-9. Her work is going to change the lives of generations to come in terms of access to digital education ensuring that South African children irrespective of socio-economic background learn how to code inspiring the next generation of Africa's tech entrepreneurs and innovators.
What makes you/her a digital female leader?
Lindiwe's leadership has been displayed by her ability to not only influence policy in South Africa with regards to digital curriculum but also being involved in developing, shaping and implementing it through her Africa Teen Geeks nonprofit. Her work has been recognised by the President of South Africa who appointed her as one of the 30 commissioners responsible for developing South Africa's Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy. Of the multiple awards she has received over the years, the 2019 Point of Light Award from the Queen of England stand out.
What does leadership mean to you/her?
Leadership to Lindiwe means serving; purpose driven life.
