Seseko, in partnership with Microsoft South Africa, has successfully completed the first phase of its AI, Robotics and Coding Program, reaching 48 underserved schools across all nine provinces in South Africa.
The initiative introduces learners to artificial intelligence, robotics and coding. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2023), more than 70% of jobs worldwide are expected to require digital skills by 2030, underscoring the urgency of early education in these areas.
The programme adopts a holistic approach, equipping schools with robotics kits and CAPS-aligned learning materials to support hands-on learning. Educators have also received specialised training, with all participating teachers achieving South African Council for Educators (SACE) accreditation, helping embed these skills sustainably within the education system.
South Africa’s education sector continues to face disparities in access to digital resources. The World Bank (2024) reports that many learners in low-income communities lack sufficient digital infrastructure, limiting opportunities in a technology-driven world. Initiatives such as this aim to bridge that gap by expanding access to tools and knowledge regardless of geography or socio-economic background.
The programme has also contributed to addressing youth unemployment, with 96 youth facilitators recruited to support schools over a 12-month period. These facilitators assist educators, reinforce lesson delivery and help maintain learner engagement, while gaining valuable work experience.
The importance of integrating coding and robotics into education has been reinforced by the Department of Basic Education (2024), which continues to prioritise these subjects as part of curriculum transformation. By combining infrastructure, curriculum alignment and accredited teacher development, the Seseko and Microsoft partnership offers a scalable model for implementation.
Bradley Maseko, CEO of Seseko, said: “At Seseko, we are driven by a simple but powerful belief – that every learner, regardless of their background, deserves access to the skills that will shape the future. This programme is about more than introducing technology into classrooms; it is about unlocking potential, building confidence and creating real opportunities for young people to participate in the digital economy.
“Our partnership with Microsoft South Africa demonstrates what is possible when organisations come together with a shared vision. By combining infrastructure, training and ongoing support, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable impact in underserved communities.”
