Ford South Africa Celebrates Major Milestone: 100th Maths and Science Lab delivered in landmark CSR project

As Ford South Africa concludes its 100^th anniversary, we are proud to announce the successful delivery of our 100^th Maths and Science Laboratory - an initiative aimed at empowering thousands of young learners in under-resourced communities across the country. This monumental achievement is part of Ford South Africa's Centenary Legacy CSR Project, in collaboration with Ford Philanthropy, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Maersk South Africa, and the Department of Basic Education.

From its inception, this initiative set out to address one of the most pressing challenges in South Africa, access to quality STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). By converting 100 shipping containers into fully functional and well-equipped labs, we have provided students from Grade 5 to 7 with vital resources to explore the fields of maths and science - fields that are instrumental in fostering careers like engineering, medicine, and technology.

The 100 labs are set to immediately benefit 20,000 learners across all nine provinces, with the potential to impact 250,000 students over the next decade. This initiative is not just about providing infrastructure - it’s about sparking curiosity, opening up new career possibilities, and helping to break the cycle of poverty in many communities.

Ford Philanthropy has been instrumental in driving this initiative. Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy, emphasised the core mission behind the project: “At Ford, we are committed to moving people forward by improving lives through education. We believe that STEM education is the key to unlocking brighter futures for generations to come, and it’s heartening to see this vision become a reality.”

This project would not have been possible without the tireless support and collaboration of our partners. Each organisation has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this transformative initiative.

Gift of the Givers Foundation, renowned for its humanitarian work, took on the task of converting the shipping containers into state-of-the-art labs, fully equipped with the necessary tools to teach maths and science. Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of the foundation, praised the project for bringing hope and inspiration to the learners and communities: “This project is not only about education but also about inspiring hope and showing that these children matter, no matter where they are in South Africa.”

Maersk South Africa, a global leader in logistics, donated the 100 shipping containers that were transformed into the labs. Theo Pappas, Area Sales Director for Maersk South Africa, spoke on the significance of this collaboration: “Our partnership with Ford dates back to 1928, and we are honoured to support this initiative that reflects the power of long-term relationships and shared values. This is a story of empowerment, and it shows how businesses can make a lasting difference in the world.”

The 100th lab was delivered earlier this week to the Vlottenburg Primary School in Stellenbosch, marking the conclusion of a journey that began less than a year ago, when the first unit was handed over to a school in Mamelodi. This project forms part of Ford’s larger Centenary celebrations, alongside two other major legacy projects: the establishment of 100 Early Childhood Development Centres, and the awarding of 100 STEM scholarships for vocational studies in South Africa.

Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, reflected on the significance of this milestone: “This is not just about infrastructure - it’s about unlocking potential and giving children the skills to dream bigger. As we celebrate 100 years of Ford’s legacy in South Africa, this project is a proud demonstration of our ongoing commitment to building a future where young people have the tools and opportunities to succeed in a technology-driven world.”

The impact of this initiative will continue to unfold over the years as thousands of students gain access to resources that foster a deeper interest in maths and science. As Ford looks to the future, our commitment to education, empowerment, and community upliftment remains strong, with these projects serving as a beacon of our dedication to making a lasting impact.

This milestone is a reminder of what can be achieved when businesses, non-profit organisations, and governments come together with a shared vision of creating a better world.