• Ford South Africa hands over its 100th Maths and Science Laboratory as part of its Centenary commitment to empowering youth in under-resourced communities
• In partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education, 100 shipping containers have been converted into the fully equipped labs and delivered to primary schools across South Africa, advancing Ford’s mission to uplift education and communities
• The 100 laboratories will immediately benefit 20,000 learners, with a potential impact on some 250,000 students in the next decade, ensuring long-term access to STEM education

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Ford South Africa, in partnership with Ford Philanthropy, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education, is proud to announce the handover of the 100th Maths and Science Laboratory.

This milestone marks the completion of a far-reaching initiative to equip 100 under-resourced primary schools across the country with state-of-the-art Maths and Science Labs – a project aimed at fostering a greater interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)amongst learners from grades 5 to 7. This will set more eager learners on the path towards related careers in these fields such as doctors, scientists and engineers – a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty and helping build a brighter future for South Africa.

The 100 Maths and Science Labs are set to immediately benefit approximately 20,000 primary school learners, providing them with vital resources to engage in STEM education. As new students enter these schools, the total impact is expected to multiply significantly, with the potential to reach an estimated 250,000 learners over the next decade.

“Our mission at Ford Philanthropy is to partner with communities to move people forward and upward, helping build a better world and improving peoples’ lives through education, particularly for the younger generation,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy.

“I was fortunate to see the handover of the first laboratory last year as part of Ford South Africa’s Centenary event, and it’s fantastic to now have the 100th unit being delivered less than 12 months later. It truly is remarkable what can be achieved when like-minded people, nonprofit organisations and companies join forces to do good. I thank our partners for joining us on this journey with a project that will have a significant impact on the lives of so many children in the years to come.”

The project kicked off in November last year at the start of Ford’s Centenary celebrations when the first unit was handed over to a school in Mamelodi, close to Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria where the Ranger is produced. The 100th and final unit has now been delivered to Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. This showcases the strength of the partnership between Ford, Gift of the Givers, Maersk, and the Department of Basic Education. 

“As we celebrate 100 years of Ford’s legacy in South Africa, we are proud to have fulfilled this component of our commitment to empower the next generation of leaders through education. The delivery of the 100 Maths and Science Laboratories represents our dedication to building a future where young South Africans have the tools and opportunities to excel in a technology-driven world,” said Neale Hill, president of Ford Motor Company Africa. 

“This initiative is not just about facilities, it’s about unlocking potential and giving children the many skills they need to dream bigger.” 

The completion of this impactful project is a fitting tribute to Ford’s Centenary in South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future through education and community upliftment.

Collaboration and partnerships delivering empowerment through education

The 100 Maths and Science Labs project, funded by Ford South Africa and Ford Philanthropy, forms part of Ford’s broader mission to uplift underprivileged communities through education. Logistics company Maersk donated the 100 shipping containers, which were transformed into fully functioning labs by Gift of the Givers, complete with all the necessary teaching and learning equipment.

“Maersk has a history that has been deeply intertwined with Ford internationally since 1928, and this has grown to become one of the most enduring and mutually beneficial collaborations around the world. Our history is testament to the power of long-term relationships, dedication and shared values that bind us together,” said Theo Pappas, Area Sales director for Maersk South Africa.

“We are immensely proud to be part of Ford’s Centenary milestone, and our commitment to this project resonates deeply with the enduring partnership that has seen us through generations. It also shows the capacity for business to make a meaningful difference in the world,” Pappas said. 

“In the spirit of collaboration and giving back to the communities that embraced us, we would like to extend our gratitude to organisations that embody the values of service and dedication. Gift of the Givers is a remarkable South African humanitarian organisation that has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals in times of need. They have been a fantastic partner for this project, and we are proud to stand alongside them today. It’s a story we are proud to be part of, and one that will continue to nurture generations to come,” Pappas said.

In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, primary schools in all nine provinces across the country were identified to receive these labs, ensuring learners have access to quality resources that foster a deeper interest in the fields of maths and science. 

Coinciding with the handover, the final training week for teachers involved in the project across the country took place, conducted by one of the Department of Basic Education's preferred suppliers specialising in mathematics and science equipment and training, under the auspices of Gift of the Givers. This ensures that educators are fully equipped to maximise the impact of these new facilities in their classrooms by creating engaging and interactive learning opportunities for the children.

“We applaud Ford Philanthropy and Ford South Africa for this innovative concept of providing these maths and science containers in rural and underprivileged areas across South Africa,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers Foundation. “This is not only about education and learning, but it also brings hope to the learners, educators, parents and the broader community. It serves as inspiration, and recognises that each person matters, even in rural South Africa, and shows they are not forgotten.”

“There’s an urgency and desire to learn, and we have witnessed the huge impact this project has already had on communities, and how grateful the people are for this support,” Dr Sooliman said. 

“We appreciate this kind of corporate intervention to upskill our children and support our nation, to build a better country and a better continent for all its people. Ford’s support for our work has been consistent with many projects over the years including disaster relief, providing much-needed food parcels and medical supplies during COVID, as well as refurbishing schools in many locations. We are very grateful for Ford’s involvement in community upliftment as it benefits the people of South Africa.”

This long-term approach underscores Ford South Africa’s commitment to empowering future generations, ensuring sustained access to quality education and fostering a passion for learning in subjects that are vital to the development of the country as a whole.

Building a better world, Ford South Africa’s legacy projects

In addition to the 100 Maths and Science Labs, Ford launched two additional legacy projects for its Centenary, each underscoring its commitment to building a better world by empowering the youth through education.

Ford South Africa is funding the establishment of 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. To date, 27 ECD centres have been handed over. These centres replace dilapidated nursery schools in disadvantaged areas, providing a safe and conducive learning environment for young children.

Furthermore, Ford Philanthropy is supporting education in the senior school phase and at vocational colleges by awarding 100 scholarships to highly motivated young South Africans from impoverished communities. This is aimed at promoting STEM education, studies and careers in related fields, including mechatronics, autotronics, millwright and electrical trades. A total of 45 scholarships have been awarded in 2024, with the remaining 55 following next year.

The scholarships will help ensure that the next generation of South African leaders has access to the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

As Ford’s 100-year heritage comes to a conclusion, these legacy projects serve as a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact on South African society.