GQEBERHA – Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has invested close to R2 million in a new AI, Coding and Robotics Lab at Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, providing 650 learners from Grade R to Grade 7 access to cutting-edge digital learning technologies.
Delivered in partnership with Sifiso EdTech through Future Nation Foundation, the lab is the second AI Coding and Robotics Lab established by IMSAf in Gqeberha. The initiative aims to equip learners with the future-ready digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The investment extends beyond infrastructure to create a sustainable digital learning ecosystem. Through hands-on exposure to coding, robotics and artificial intelligence, learners will develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills, while educators will receive comprehensive South African Council for Educators (SACE)-endorsed training to effectively integrate coding and robotics into classroom learning.
The initiative forms part of IMSAf’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme and reflects the company’s commitment to narrowing South Africa’s skills gap by aligning learning outcomes with the needs of the future.
“This initiative reflects our belief that preparing young people for the future starts with access today,” said Nandi Matomela, Department Executive: Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “As industries continue evolving through digital transformation and automation, every learner deserves the opportunity to develop the skills needed to participate meaningfully in tomorrow’s economy. Through this investment, we are not only providing technology but creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential and build brighter futures.”
The AI, Coding and Robotics Lab features robotics kits, tablets, laptops and a customised computer laboratory, introducing them to emerging technologies from an early age while building essential digital literacy and computational thinking skills. The programme also creates early awareness of career pathways in engineering, software development, mechatronics, automation and artificial intelligence.
“Coding, robotics and artificial intelligence are no longer future concepts, they are already shaping the world our learners are growing into today,” said Dr Sizwe Nxasana, Founder and CEO of Sifiso EdTech. “By introducing these skills at primary school level, we are helping learners build confidence, creativity and critical thinking while opening doors to the careers and opportunities of tomorrow.”
To ensure long-term and sustainable impact, the programme includes intensive educator development covering robotics implementation, programming structures, sensors and actuators, troubleshooting techniques and classroom integration. Teachers will also benefit from ongoing mentorship, virtual learning support and collaborative educator networks to strengthen the sustainable delivery of coding and robotics education. Sifiso EdTech will continue supporting the school to ensure the programme is effectively implemented and remains sustainable.
“This AI, Coding and Robotics Lab and programme opens a world of possibilities for our learners. It gives them access to opportunities and skills that many children in underserved communities have traditionally been excluded from. We are excited to see our learners develop the confidence and knowledge needed to compete in a rapidly changing digital world,” said Linda Nonxuba, Principal at Khulile Primary School.
As artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue transforming industries and economies, initiatives such as this ensure young South Africans are equipped to participate in the future workforce. Through strategic partnerships that expand access to quality STEM education, IMSAf is helping develop a new generation of innovators, creators and problem-solvers who will contribute to South Africa’s future growth and competitiveness.