In a significant move towards advancing education in South Africa, ISUZU Motors South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment by renewing its collaborative efforts with Nelson Mandela University’s Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC). This partnership, slated to run from 2024 to 2026, focuses on elevating the mathematics and physical science competencies of students from disadvantaged schools in Gqeberha.
Marking its official commencement on April 4, 2024, in Gqeberha, the initiative stands as a testament to ISUZU’s dedication to fostering educational growth within the region. Through this collaboration, ISUZU and GMMDC aim to equip KwaZakhele, Newell, and Sophakama High Schools with state-of-the-art teaching tools. These tools include the GammaTutor mobile teaching device and the MobiTutorZA software, both designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience without the need for an internet connection.
Lebogang Makoloi, the Corporate and Public Affairs Executive at ISUZU, emphasized the pivotal role of integrating technology in education, highlighting its significance for students aspiring to enter the automotive industry. This partnership not only focuses on immediate educational support but also lays the groundwork for future employment opportunities.
The collaboration introduces the Mathematics Incubation and Techno-Blended Support (MITS) Programme, an initiative aimed at bolstering STEM skills among students. This comprehensive programme includes an intensive nine-month curriculum targeting matric students, a professional development segment for mathematics teachers, and a school-wide STEM enrichment platform offering a blend of online and in-person support.
The TAPS programme, a core component of MITS, is structured around Topic Learning Cycles to promote self-directed learning, complemented by coding activities led by the LEVA Foundation. This approach ensures a holistic learning experience, further supported by GMMDC’s innovative MobiTutorZA platform.
Acknowledging the crucial role of technology in education, Professor Werner Olivier of GMMDC highlighted the programme’s alignment with national curriculum standards and its potential to extend learning beyond the classroom through digital applications.
In addition to educational support, the partnership provides essential resources, including tablets for selected learners and essential equipment for participating schools, underlining ISUZU’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and supporting long-term economic development in South Africa.
This partnership represents a forward-looking approach to education, combining the strengths of industry and academia to empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
