Semakaleng Dhlamini

by | Oct 11, 2025 | The Educational Woman 2025

Semakaleng Dhlamini, a passionate educator and innovator, is transforming learning across South Africa. In her role as a project coordinator at READ Educational Trust, supported by the Roger Federer Foundation, she assists Grade R teachers in North West classrooms. Her responsibilities include observing lessons, coaching educators, and helping them in integrating creative and inclusive strategies to enhance learning effectiveness and engagement. She also ensures the School Readiness  Initiative meets its goals through project planning, monitoring, and reporting. At TechFlow Afrika, a venture she co-founded, Semakaleng is leading the charge in preparing schools for the digital revolution by integrating coding, robotics, and STEAM education. She designs training programmes, develops resources, and builds partnerships to expand the initiative’s reach, empowering schools and teachers to adopt technology with confidence. Her inspiration comes from witnessing transformation in real time—be it a teacher regaining confidence or a child’s eyes lighting up as they master a new concept. She also champions natural playgrounds and interactive “talking walls” that spark curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness. Her achievements, which include judging at the Deep Learning Indaba and ACET, speaking at the Africa Tech Summit and All African Youth Forum, co-founding TechFlow Afrika, and leading the School Readiness Initiative to strengthen early learning in rural communities, are a testament to her dedication and impact. Semakaleng’s guiding principle is clear:  sustainable impact comes from collaboration and inclusion —a reassuring approach that empowers communities and fosters scalable change.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BSc in Financial Mathematics, University of the Free State 
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, Independent Institute of Education 
  • Executive Coaching and Facilitation: Train the Trainer Course (Unit Standard 117871).  
  • Facilitator Training: Information and Communication Technology in Education.  
  • Robotics Level 1 Training: LEGO Mindstorms EV3. 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Judge, Deep Learning Indaba – contributed to the Pan-African machine learning and AI community by evaluating emerging research and innovations.
  • Judge, African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) – supported the identification and promotion of impactful educational technology and economic transformation initiatives across Africa.
  • Shared Value Impact Alumni – selected to pitch innovative projects at the EU–Africa Summit, showcasing solutions with measurable social impact.
  • STEM & Sustainable Development Advocate | U.S. Exchange Alumni Summit Panel, Zimbabwe – participated in a panel on leveraging STEM as a vehicle for sustainable development, sharing insights from education and innovation initiatives.
  • Speaker Invitation, All African Youth Forum (AAYF 2025), Monrovia, Liberia (14–18 October 2025) – invited as a speaker to contribute to continental youth-led discussions on leadership, innovation, and social impact. 
  • GEF Delegate, Nigeria – represented education and youth development interests at the Global Education Forum, contributing to cross-continental discussions on sustainable development, innovation, and policy alignment. 
  • Panellist, YALDA & CGA Webinar (January 2025) – discussed AI and education for skills development and career readiness, providing insights on leveraging technology to prepare youth for the future workforce
  • Speaker, Africa Tech Summit, Cape Town – shared insights on technology, education, and innovation at a leading continental tech forum.
  • Executive Director, Education & Leadership Development, Black Management Forum (BMF), Bojanala District – led initiatives to strengthen professional education and leadership development in the North West.
  • Co-founder, TechFlow Afrika – prepared schools for the digital revolution through coding, robotics, and STEAM education, bridging the gap between policy and practical implementation.
  • Project Lead, School Readiness Initiative (Roger Federer Foundation – READ Educational Trust), North West – supported Grade R teachers to ensure learners start school equipped for success.
  • Community Innovation Leader – drove projects such as natural playgrounds, talking walls, and a Change X – LEGO initiative in North West schools, leveraging creative approaches to enhance learning environments.
  • BMF Young Professionals, North West Province Executive Committee – Head of Professional & Executive Education, guiding leadership development programmes for emerging professionals.
  • VIP Delegate, Commonwealth Youth Dialogue – Invited to participate in the inaugural Commonwealth Youth Council Consultative Dialogue in Windhoek, Namibia, engaging with over 200 youth leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from all 56 Commonwealth member countries to shape a future centred on youth voices, leadership, and aspirations.