Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) renewed its longstanding partnership with the Nelson Mandela University’s Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) reaffirming its long-term commitment to strengthening Mathematics and Physical Science education in under-resourced schools.
Since the partnership began in 2018, the initiative has provided targeted learner incubation, teacher development and blended STEM learning support to schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. The programme continues to deliver measurable impact, particularly in the 2025 matric results, where the supported learner cohort achieved an 80% pass rate in both Mathematics and Physical Science, significantly outperforming the national pass rate of 64% and 77,3% respectively.
The programme also delivered strong progression outcomes, with 25 of 30 participating learners achieving Bachelor or Diploma passes, expanding access to tertiary education and STEM-related careers.
These results reflect the value of sustained academic mentoring, digital learning resources and educator training in improving outcomes in high-demand subjects. “The GMMDC programme delivers interactive digital resources and professional development programmes for Mathematics educators, fostering dynamic, inclusive learning environments”, Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre Project Leader, Natalie Gill explained. “With the support received from Isuzu Motors South Africa, we have been able to empower a significant number of learners through strengthening connections between classroom learning and real-world challenges, promoting sustainable education impact in public schools”, Gill added.
Education remains one of IMSAf’ s key societal leadership pillars, aligned with the company’s long-term strategy to develop future technical and engineering talent critical to South Africa’s manufacturing and automotive sectors.
“The partnership with GMMDC brings to life our commitment to improve the quality of education and narrowing the skills gap in South Africa, through this collaboration, we have encouraged the adoption of STEM subjects in our schools, aligning learning outcomes with the skills and needs of the future,” said Nandi Matomela, Department Executive Corporate Affairs, Isuzu Motors South Africa. “We are encouraged to see some of the learners who came out of the GMMDC programme pursuing careers in engineering- and related fields- and we remain committed to supporting the development of the next generation of innovators, engineers and professionals.”
By promoting STEM subject adoption, IMSAf does not only aim to contribute to narrowing the national skills gap, but to opening pathways to meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
Beyond improved academic results, the programme continues to transform lives, several former participants are now pursuing tertiary qualifications in fields such as Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Accounting, demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact in building the next generation of professionals.
Through this renewed partnership, IMSAf and GMMDC will expand innovative teaching tools, teacher support and learner mentorship to help more young South Africans unlock opportunities in the fast-growing STEM economy.
