Young minds, big ideas and plenty of LEGO bricks will take centre stage in Gqeberha this weekend as Nelson Mandela University hosts the FIRST LEGO League Regional Competition on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Taking place at the university’s Ocean Sciences Campus Science Centre, the event will bring together young robotics enthusiasts for a day of creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and friendly competition, while offering families an opportunity to discover the exciting world of science and technology.
FIRST LEGO League is an international robotics programme designed to introduce children between the ages of four and 16 to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning.
The programme is divided into three age-appropriate categories, allowing children to develop their skills as they grow. The Discover division introduces children aged four to six to basic LEGO building and problem-solving, while Explore, aimed at ages six to 10, encourages participants to build models using LEGO Education technology.
The Challenge division, for children aged nine to 16, takes things a step further, with teams designing, building and programming robots to complete missions on a specially designed playing field.
This year’s theme, BioGlow, provides the backdrop for the competition, challenging participants to apply their creativity, technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
In the Challenge division, teams of between two and 10 learners work alongside an adult coach or mentor to prepare for three key elements of the competition: the robot game, an innovation project and the demonstration of FIRST LEGO League’s core values.
During the robot game, teams put their programming and engineering skills to the test as their robots attempt to complete missions on the competition mat. Participants also present their innovation projects to a panel of judges, demonstrating their ability to identify problems, develop ideas and communicate possible solutions.
Beyond the competition itself, the programme encourages collaboration, critical thinking and confidence, helping young people develop skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
A Day of Discovery for the Whole Family
While judging sessions will take place behind closed doors, members of the public are invited to watch the robot games and enjoy several activities throughout the day.
The programme begins at 7am, with robot games getting underway from 9am.
Visitors can look forward to dome showcases and guest speaker sessions running every 40 minutes between 10am and 1.30pm, while public LEGO-building sessions will take place in the first-floor laboratory from 9.30am until 2pm.
For younger visitors, there will also be a jumping castle and face painting, while a mobile coffee truck and cafeteria will be available for families spending the day at the event.
The competition will conclude with an awards and medal ceremony at 3pm, recognising the efforts and achievements of the participating teams.
With technology playing an increasingly important role in everyday life, initiatives such as FIRST LEGO League offer children an opportunity to explore careers and interests they may never previously have considered.
For parents looking to introduce their children to robotics, coding or engineering, Saturday’s event provides a chance to see young innovators in action and discover how learning through play can inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.
Event Details
Event: FIRST LEGO League Regional Competition 2026
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Nelson Mandela University, Ocean Sciences Campus Science Centre, Gqeberha
Time: 7am–3pm
Public activities: Robot games, LEGO-building sessions, dome showcases, guest speakers, face painting and jumping castle.
For further information, contact Farren Foutie from Nelson Mandela University’s School of Information Communication and Technology on 041 504 3603.
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