Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha, has stood for 36 years as a pillar of resilience in its community. On 16 July 2026, history met the future when Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, officially launched a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding and Robotics Laboratory at the school, donated by Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) and valued at just under R2 million.
Established with implementing partner Sifiso EdTech, the lab gives learners hands-on learning in AI, Coding, and Robotics, and equips teachers with specialised training to integrate these skills into teaching. It is supported by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) endorsed teacher training and aligns with the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) Coding and Robotics focus and IMSAf’s Drive 2030 vision.
Delivering her keynote speech, Dr Mhaule reflected on the school’s history since its 1990 registration: “This lab is more than a room filled with computers and robots. It is a gateway to the future. It is where our learners will learn computational thinking, the ability to break down complex problems, identify patterns and develop logical solutions. They will learn to code, to build and programme robots, and to understand the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence. These are not just skills; they are superpowers that will enable our children to compete on a global stage”.
The launch builds on years of investment by Isuzu in Eastern Cape education. Through its READ Education Trust partnership, more than 1,390 learners have benefited from literacy programmes since 2024, with almost R2.8 million invested in library resources, digital devices, teacher development, and parent training. A parallel partnership with the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre, running since 2021, has lifted Mathematics and Physical Sciences results at three Gqeberha high schools, with the 2025 Grade 12 cohort recording gains of 30% and 39%, respectively.
Isuzu Department Executive, Ms Nandi Matomela, said the company’s education investment in Nelson Mandela Bay now exceeds R10 million. “This is not a tick-box CSI exercise. It is a deliberate investment in equipping learners with the skills to become South Africa’s future workforce,” she said, adding that Isuzu engages School Governing Bodies and communities before any handover, and links the programme to its own manufacturing expertise through a pathway to its graduate programme.
Principal of Khulile Primary School, Ms Miranda Nonxuba, traced the school’s journey from ambassador school in 2024 to flagship school, crediting the partnership for a stronger reading culture. She recalled learners once competing using borrowed phones before winning competitions and welcomed Isuzu’s three-year commitment and the tablets now equipping the school.
Ms Xoliswa Mahlangu of Sifiso EdTech said the goal was for learners to become creators of technology rather than end users, developing African solutions that could scale globally, backed by ongoing teacher training. That ambition was already visible as the ribbon was cut to unveil the new laboratory, with learners taking turns confidently programming robots to respond to real-time commands, showing off the creativity and digital skills the lab is helping them build.
In her closing remarks, Dr Mhaule urged learners to be bold: “I encourage you to be bold and ask questions. Make mistakes because that is how we learn. Do not be afraid of technology but embrace it. Let it open your eyes to possibilities you have never imagined”. She thanked Isuzu Motors South Africa for its continued partnership in creating opportunities that will shape the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has officially launched the inaugural National Science Month (NSM) under the theme: “Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone”. The initiative highlights the increasingly important role of Science, Technology, and Innovation, whilst scaling up the promotion of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) amongst learners and students. The DBE continues to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders to promote Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Information Technology, and Coding and Robotics in South Africa to equip the modern learner with 21st Century skills.