Coding the Future: iStore Maponya Mall Brings Tech Skills to Soweto Learners

Last week, iStore Maponya Mall opened its doors for more than just tech sales; it welcomed nearly 60 young learners from Soweto to take part in its annual Holiday Coding Camp. Held from 7 to 9 July 2025, the camp gave children hands-on exposure to the world of coding and robotics, equipping them with vital digital skills for the future.

Now in its second year, the initiative is part of iStore’s broader commitment to making the world’s best technology more accessible through education and skills development. Led by experienced facilitators from the iStore Education Programme, the sessions were designed to be both fun and impactful, with mentorship tailored to each child’s level of experience.

“When we built the iStore in Maponya Mall, our vision extended far beyond retail,” said Chris Dodd, CEO of iStore. “We wanted to give back to the community and help shape a generation ready to thrive in the tech world.”

That vision came to life across the three-day camp, where learners were introduced to Apple’s Swift programming language; the same tool used to build some of the most successful apps in the world. The programme covered both coding logic and basic robotics, giving participants the chance to design, build, and code in an environment that fostered curiosity and creativity.

“It’s been incredible to see how learners embraced these skills, especially when coding and robotics still aren’t a standard part of the school curriculum,” added Phindile Radebe, Regional Manager for iStore. “The energy from both children and parents was a clear reminder of just how needed initiatives like this are in Soweto.”

The sentiment was echoed by a parent attending the final day: “Thank you so much for bringing opportunities that open doors for kids in Soweto, we truly appreciate you.”

With the programme continuing to grow, iStore Education and iStore Maponya Mall are already looking ahead to future camps and expanded outreach. The goal is simple: to inspire the next generation of creators, coders, and problem-solvers, right from the heart of Soweto.