Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has welcomed Volkswagen South Africa’s investment in the new LEAP 9 Maths and Science School in Kariega in the Eastern Cape Province. During the launch on 31 August 2026, Minister Gwarube emphasised the critical role of partnerships in addressing South Africa’s substantial school infrastructure needs: “Government has the primary responsibility for providing quality public education, but the scale of our infrastructure requirements demands that we mobilise every available resource. Responsible private sector partnerships can help us accelerate investment in the environments in which our children learn”.
Minister Gwarube thanked Volkswagen South Africa for its contribution, saying the company’s investment was particularly significant in a province with a major automotive and manufacturing sector. The LEAP 9 Maths and Science School aligns with the Department’s Strong Foundations, Strong Futures strategy, which seeks to improve foundational literacy and numeracy whilst strengthening the pipeline into Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and other gateway subjects. “Volkswagen South Africa has existed in this community for 75 years. They are not only wanting to create job opportunities for members of the community, but open pathways of success for generations to come”, she added.
The Minister commenced her visit to Kariega at the Ikhwezi Lomso ECD centre, a Volkswagen supported ECD centre of excellence that is doing incredible community work. “That eight out of ten children cannot read for meaning by the age of ten should concern every South African. We must strengthen the foundations of learning if we want young South Africans to succeed. Volkswagen is supporting mathematics and science education, digital learning and pathways into careers in STEM fields to participate meaningfully in our economy,” said Minister Gwarube. She added that Volkswagen’s “Cradle to Career” approach reflects the importance of sustained investment in human capital. “The learners at LEAP 9 are future engineers, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. Investing in their education is an investment in the province’s future.”
Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe commended Volkswagen for its longstanding investment, highlighting the company’s contribution to education, skills development, small business support and community empowerment. Volkswagen Group Africa Managing Director, Ms Martina Biene, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and a good neighbour, emphasising the importance of partnerships that invest in the future of young people.
The historic occasion culminated in the cutting of the ribbon and the unveiling of the school, officially marking the beginning of a new journey for learners in KwaNobuhle. The LEAP 9 Maths and Science School stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through meaningful public-private partnerships and a shared belief that investing in education is investing in South Africa’s future. The visit underscored the Department of Basic Education’s commitment to strengthening the foundations of education and ensuring that learners have access to quality, inclusive and supportive learning environments from the earliest stages of their educational journey.