By Zanele Makola
Ford South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to education and skills development by donating a Ford Ranger to the Ribane-Laka Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi. This is the second Ranger donated to the school, providing students with hands-on experience to refine their mechanical engineering skills and prepare for careers in the automotive industry.
The Ribane-Laka School, which benefited from a R148 million investment by the Gauteng government, stands as a beacon of innovation, specialising in automotive and electronics training to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The donated Ford Ranger will serve as a practical learning tool for students, enabling them to acquire essential skills in engine repair and other critical aspects of the automotive trade as part of the school’s specialised curriculum. This contribution aligns with Ford’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry.
The initiative helps equip students with the capabilities required to support job creation and economic growth in South Africa, through partnerships such as the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). Ford’s broader commitment to skills development also includes a 2020 programme through which the company pledged to donate 240 engines—valued at R7.8 million—to technical institutions across the country.
“We are proud to support Ribane-Laka’s mission to empower young minds with practical, industry-relevant skills,” said a Ford South Africa representative. “This Ranger will give students a real-world platform to develop their mechanical engineering expertise and build brighter futures,” he added.
The donation highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering education that responds to the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.
As Ribane-Laka students work under the hood of the Ford Ranger, they are not only learning mechanics—they are gearing up to become the next generation of South African automotive innovators.
