07 December 2024 I 11:00 I University of Limpopo

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, faculty members, students, community members, and members of the media.

It is an honour to address you today at the launch of this state-of-the-art STEM Lab at the University of Limpopo—a moment that symbolizes both progress and possibility.

Allow me to extend a warm and special welcome to the esteemed stakeholders whose efforts and collaboration have made this initiative a reality:

• Trevor Rammitlwa, CEO of NEMISA, whose leadership in bridging the digital divide has been pivotal to this project’s success.
• Edwin Kumfa, CEO of STEMpower, whose organization has championed hands-on STEM education across Africa, empowering countless young minds.
• NMM Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo, whose support has brought this vision to life here on campus.
• Isaac Mbengo, Acting Principal of King Hintsa TVET College.
• Elias Mbuyane, Principal of Ehlanzeni TVET College.
• Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Technology.
• Sello L. Sethusha, Director of Lecturer Development and Support at the Department of Higher Education and Training.
• Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, whose organization has generously supported this initiative with logistics expertise and resources.

Your presence here is a testament to the power of partnerships and the shared belief that innovation and education are the keys to building a brighter, more inclusive future for South Africa. Together, we are planting the seeds of transformation.

It is a profound privilege for me to stand here at the University of Limpopo—my alma mater—for the launch of this groundbreaking STEM Lab. Today, we not only celebrate the potential this lab brings to our students and community but also the partnerships that made it possible, and the inclusive future we are building together.

While similar labs are being launched at Walter Sisulu University, King Hintsa TVET College, Ehlanzeni TVET College, and the Central University of Technology, standing here today at the University of Limpopo holds a personal significance for me. Having grown up just over 100 kilometres from this campus, I understand deeply the challenges and aspirations of this region. This lab represents a gateway to opportunity for a place I proudly call home.

The Digital Age and Our National Mission

We are living in an era where technology affects every aspect of our lives—from how we communicate to how we work and learn. Yet, as transformative as technology has been, it has also created a stark divide between those who have access to digital tools and skills and those who do not.

In South Africa, millions of people remain on the wrong side of this digital divide. Schools without computers, homes without internet, and communities without digital literacy are far too prevalent in our society.

Since assuming my role as Minister, my top priority has been to bridge the digital divide by focusing on four key areas to ensure that all South Africans can fully benefit from opportunities of the digital economy by:

• Expanding access to affordable internet and devices for all South Africans, with a goal of achieving universal internet access by 2029.
• Equipping South Africans with the skills needed to participate and thrive in the digital
• Productive Use of Technology: Promoting diverse uses of the internet and technology, including e-commerce, education, entrepreneurship, and government services.
• And establishing South Africa as the most attractive ICT investment destination in Africa and fostering innovation through strong policy support.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, through the development of the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, is driving efforts to bridge the digital divide. We are building an education and skills development ecosystem that empowers not only students but also educators, workers, and entrepreneurs with critical digital and future skills while through a coordinated and integrated implementation plan across government and various sectors.

These STEM labs form part of the departments mission to equip every South African with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the digital age.

Impact on the Community

The impact such initiatives cannot be understated.

For the young people in Mamotintane, Ga-Motholo, Makanye, Mankweng and other neighbouring communities, this lab can provide the tools to expand their horizons in ways that they didn’t know were possible, to dream bigger and reach higher. A child who, technology was out of their grasp can now imagine a future in robotics, data science, or artificial intelligence.

For the unemployed youth, it offers the opportunity to learn skills that are in demand, giving them a pathway to meaningful employment or even entrepreneurship.

For the teachers in surrounding schools, it is a chance to upskill themselves in coding and digital fluency, enabling them to inspire the next generation of innovators.

This lab is not just for students of this university. It is a resource for the entire community, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities where they may not have existed before.

The Role of Partnerships

This lab was made possible through partnerships—with NEMISA, STEM-power, and other stakeholders. Their dedication to advancing education and innovation is what brings us here today.

Public-private partnerships like these are essential. It is only through a whole of society approach that we are able to pool resources, align efforts, and create initiatives that are sustainable and scalable.

To our partners, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your collaboration reminds us that transformation is not the work of one entity but the collective effort of many.

STEM Education: A Tool for Transformation

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM for short—is more than just an academic discipline. It is a transformative tool for solving societal challenges, creating economic opportunities, and fostering global competitiveness.

In South Africa, we have expanded STEM to STEAMIE, incorporating Arts, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. This holistic approach ensures that our students are not only technically skilled but also creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial.

Through this lab, students will have the chance to explore cutting-edge fields such as:

• Artificial intelligence

• Robotics

• Renewable energy systems

• Data analytics

These are not just buzzwords; they are the building blocks of the future. They are the skills that will enable our youth to lead, innovate, and compete on a global stage.

Addressing Challenges in Education

However, we must also confront the challenges that remain.

South Africa has a low number of matriculants with mathematics and science qualifications. This impacts the pipeline of students eligible to enter advanced digital and STEM-related fields.

The Implementation Programme for the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy aims to change this. It advocates for:

• Large-scale digital literacy

• Open online courses in science, engineering, and

• Graduate programs in STEAMIE

Through initiatives like this STEM Lab, we are addressing these gaps and ensuring that more young South Africans have the foundation they need to succeed.

Call to Action

To the students present: this lab is your opportunity. Use it to explore, innovate, and lead. Push boundaries, challenge conventions, and create solutions to the problems facing your community and the world.

To the faculty: continue to inspire and nurture talent. This lab is a tool to enrich your teaching and empower your students to dream big.

To our partners: let this be the start of even greater collaboration. Let us expand this model to every province, ensuring that no corner of South Africa is left behind.

To the broader community: this is your resource too. Let it be a space where you can learn, grow, and thrive.

A Vision for the Future

As we inaugurate this STEM Lab, let us remember what it represents: hope, progress, and opportunity.

Hope for a child who dreams of a brighter future. Progress in bridging the digital divide.

Opportunity for a nation to achieve its full potential.

Let us harness the power of STEM, digital skills, and strategic partnerships to build a South Africa where technology is a bridge, not a barrier—a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.

In Conclusion

This lab is more than a facility. It is a beacon of what we can achieve when we work together. It is proof that our collective efforts can transform lives, uplift communities, and drive our nation forward.

Let us innovate, educate, and transform—together.

I thank you.