Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU) are strengthening their industry-academia partnership to develop future engineering talent by giving students practical exposure to real-world manufacturing challenges through the ISUZU Chair of Mechatronics at IMSAf’s manufacturing plant in Gqeberha.
Since 2018, IMSAf has invested R2.3 million in the ISUZU Chair of Mechatronics, benefiting 276 students through industry-linked projects, plant exposure, mentorship and access to IMSAf engineers and technical specialists. Building on a collaborative relationship with the University that dates to 2009, the partnership aims to expose 400 Mechatronics students to industry by 2030, connecting academic learning with the practical capabilities required in increasingly technology-driven manufacturing environments.
“Bringing industry and academia closer together is important because developing future engineers requires both strong academic foundations and opportunities to apply that knowledge in the real world,” said Nandi Matomela, Department Executive Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
“By opening our manufacturing environment to students and giving them access to our engineers, technologies and real manufacturing challenges, we are helping them develop the practical judgement and problem-solving capabilities they will need in the workplace. At the same time, our business benefits from the fresh thinking and different perspectives they bring.”
The partnership extends beyond financial support. IMSAf engineers and technical specialists engage directly with students through industry-linked projects, mentoring, plant visits, guest lectures and technical guidance, giving students opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge within a working manufacturing environment.
One example is a third-year cab and load-box transfer project involving 20 students. Students visited IMSAf’s manufacturing plant and engaged with technical personnel to develop potential solutions while considering the practical requirements of production, including safety, reliability, automation, production pace and maintainability.
The project challenged students to move beyond theoretical design and consider how an engineering solution would perform under real manufacturing conditions.
Lomelelo Nogilana, a third-year Mechatronics Engineering student at Nelson Mandela University, said the experience had provided a different perspective on applying engineering knowledge in practice.
“Working on a real manufacturing challenge allowed me to apply the theory I have gained over the past three years in a practical industry environment. It strengthened my problem-solving skills and deepened my understanding of automation and robotics. The experience also reignited my passion for automation and gave me valuable insight into how engineering is applied beyond the classroom, which will be extremely useful as I prepare for my future career,” said Nogilana.
Students also apply their multidisciplinary engineering knowledge through innovation projects requiring them to design, build, programme and test working systems, further developing problem-solving and technical capabilities.
Professor Theo van Niekerk of Nelson Mandela University said industry exposure complements students’ academic development by helping them understand how engineering decisions are made in practice.
“Engineering education is strongest when students can connect what they learn in the classroom with the challenges they will encounter in practice. Our partnership with IMSAf gives students access to an industrial environment where they can engage with real engineering challenges and experienced professionals,” said Van Niekerk.
“This exposure complements their academic learning and helps us develop graduates who are better prepared to contribute meaningfully to industry and the economy.”
The partnership is particularly relevant as manufacturing evolves through greater integration of automation, robotics, digital technologies and multidisciplinary engineering. It also enables IMSAf engineers and technical specialists to contribute directly to developing future talent by sharing their expertise and exposing students to the opportunities available within automotive manufacturing.
“The students we expose to industry today are the engineers, innovators and problem-solvers who will help shape the manufacturing sector of tomorrow,” added Matomela.
The ISUZU Chair of Mechatronics forms part of IMSAf’s broader commitment to Driving Futures Through Education, creating opportunities for young people while contributing to the skills and capabilities needed for the future of South African manufacturing.