Mandela University idea Coding 4 Africa launches across the continent
An initiative that began in Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences is helping to inspire the next generation of problem solvers across Africa.
After engaging more than 50,000 South African learners through Coding 4 Mandela last year, the initiative has evolved into Coding 4 Africa – a continent-wide movement that will bring together schools, libraries and community organisations from 18 July to 18 August 2026.
The initiative is coordinated by Tangible, a programme of LEVA Foundation, which grew out of the work of Professor Jean Greyling in Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences.
Prof Greyling has spent years researching practical ways to make coding education accessible to every learner.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News
Mandela University alumnus Yusuf Cassim appointed as Deputy Minister of Higher Education
Congratulations to Nelson Mandela University alumnus Yusuf Cassim on his appointment as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, having assumed office on 1 July 2026 under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He is a senior member of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and serves as the party's Provincial Chairperson in the Eastern Cape.
Deputy Minister Cassim was also South Africa’s youngest Member of Parliament when he first entered the National Assembly in 2014 at the age of 24.
He served until 2019, whereafter he was a Member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature to 2026.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News
Mandela University’s Prof Janine Adams one of 29 experts contributing to the Starfish Barometer 2026
Through her expertise in the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems Nelson Mandela University’s Professor Janine Adams has contributed to the Starfish Barometer 2026.
“The starfish barometer provides an overview of the ocean state, identifying where global actions are urgently needed” said Distinguished Professor Adams, the DSI-NRF South African Research Chair in Shallow Water Ecosystems at the University.
She also represents the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research and Department of Botany.
Drawing on the latest peer-reviewed science and international assessments, the report highlights accelerating ocean change, rising societal and economic impacts, and a widening gap between human pressures and protection efforts.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News
Mandela academic appointed research advisor at University of Oldenburg
Director of the Centre for Community Technologies at Nelson Mandela University, Professor Darelle van Greunen, has been appointed Research Advisor for International Networking at the University of Oldenburg, Germany.
Prof Dr Katharina Al-Shamery (Vice President, Academic Career Paths, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs, University of Oldenburg), Prof Muki Moeng (DVC Learning and Teaching, Nelson Mandela University), Prof Dr Darelle van Greunen, Prof Dr Karsten Speck (University of Oldenburg).
This prestigious appointment highlights Prof van Greunen’s excellence as a researcher and her commitment to advancing technology as a catalyst for human development, inclusion and social transformation. Her work demonstrates how innovative, human-centred approaches can address complex societal challenges.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News