Automotive manufacturer Isuzu Motors South Africa has opened a R2-million AI, Coding and Robotics Lab at Khulile Primary School, in Motherwell, in the Eastern Cape, providing access to cutting-edge digital learning technologies for 650 learners from Grade R to Grade 7.

The lab is the second AI, Coding and Robotics Lab established by the company in Gqeberha.

Delivered in partnership with robotics, coding and AI education company Sifiso EdTech through Future Nation Foundation, the initiative aims to equip learners with the future-ready digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The investment creates a sustainable digital learning ecosystem. Through hands-on exposure to coding, robotics and AI, learners will develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Further, educators will receive comprehensive South African Council for Educators-endorsed training to effectively integrate coding and robotics into classroom learning.

“Coding, robotics and AI are already shaping the world our learners are growing up in. 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,” says Sifiso EdTech founder and CEO Dr Sizwe Nxasana.

The training programme creates early awareness of career pathways in engineering, software development, mechatronics, automation and AI.

The lab features robotics kits, tablets, laptops and a customised computer laboratory, introducing learners to emerging technologies from an early age while building essential digital literacy and computational thinking skills.

“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,” says Isuzu Motors South Africa corporate affairs department executive Nandi Matomela.

“Through this investment, we are not only providing technology but creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential and build brighter futures.”

Further, 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, says Isuzu Motors South Africa.

“This lab and programme open 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," says Khulile Primary School principal Linda Nonxuba.

AI and digital technologies continue to transform industries and economies and initiatives such as this ensure young South Africans are equipped to participate in the future workforce.

Through strategic partnerships that expand access to quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, Isuzu Motors South Africa is helping develop a new generation of innovators, creators and problem-solvers who will contribute to South Africa's future growth and competitiveness.

The initiative forms part of Isuzu Motors South Africa's corporate social investment programme and reflects the company's commitment to narrowing South Africa’s skills gap by aligning learning outcomes with the needs of the future.