Embarking on a new journey, Siphosethu Legoabe, known as Dudu by many, is excited to see what lies ahead.
Involved with the ArcelorMittal Foundation Saldanha Science Centre for the past 15 years, Dudu is set to leave on Friday 30 January.
Known for her energetic spirit and community involvement, it is safe to say she will be missed by many.
During her 15-year tenure, Legoabe served as the Project Coordinator, responsible for overseeing various educational initiatives, coordinating programmes, and ensuring that the centre fulfilled its mission of promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“This long-term involvement allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the centre’s development and sustainability while working closely with educators, learners, and community stakeholders. Working with young learners at the Science Centre was an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience. It provided me with the opportunity to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among learners from diverse age groups and backgrounds. Engaging with young minds and witnessing their excitement when discovering new concepts reaffirmed my passion for education. The experience also strengthened my belief in the transformative power of STEM education to open doors and shape futures,” Legoabe said.
According to Xavier Lawrence, manager of the Science Centre, Legoabe enriched the Science Centre in an exceptional and lasting way. He said she brought over 15 years of dedicated service, bringing science to life through her dynamic personality, innovative teaching approach, and breathtaking experiments that captured the imagination of learners.
“Affectionately known as ‘Miss Fabulous’, she made science accessible, exciting, and meaningful, particularly for young learners who might otherwise have found it intimidating. Beyond the Science Centre walls, she was deeply involved in community projects, demonstrating a genuine commitment to education, upliftment, and service. Her impact is reflected not only in the programmes she delivered but also in the confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm for science she instilled in countless learners,” Lawrence said.
Another collaborator, Nosipho Lisa, founder of the Likhona Foundation, which focuses on community support, praised Legoabe’s dedication.
“I worked with Dudu a lot. The love and passion she has shown for the West Coast community, especially the youth, is beyond measure. She sacrificed and gave her all to impart the skills, wisdom, and knowledge she possessed. I will really miss working with her. She is a very intentional woman and such a gem,” Lisa said.
Legoabe will be starting her new journey at Embark in Knowledge NPC in Cape Town, where she will continue doing what she is passionate about: STEM education. She will be heading the Coding and Robotics Department, with a focus on ensuring that learners are equipped with relevant technological skills.
She thanked each and every person she built a relationship and bond with over the years.
“What I will miss most is the strong sense of unity and unwavering support within the West Coast community. The collective spirit, willingness to collaborate, and shared commitment to development are truly remarkable. Over the years, I have witnessed significant growth and positive change in the region, which reflects the resilience and dedication of its people,” Legoabe added.
