Palabora Mining Company and LH Marthinusen launch robotics and coding initiative
August 2025
News
In a joint effort to advance education and digital skills development in Phalaborwa, Palabora Mining Company (PMC) and LH Marthinusen (LHM) have partnered to establish a fully equipped robotics and coding classroom at Frans du Toit High School. This initiative forms part of a broader socio-economic development commitment by both organisations to uplift the local community through education-focused corporate social investment.
While LHM was recently awarded a major contract to design, supply, install and commission main surface ventilation fans for PMC, this partnership extends beyond infrastructure, it reflects a shared vision for sustainable community development. As part of the agreement, LHM has committed over R500 000 to support the school’s drive to modernise its curriculum and equip learners with critical skills for the digital economy.
The project includes the establishment of two computer laboratories, installation of 20 and upgraded 12 desktop computers, a 3D printer and a central server, as well as the provision of a licensing package, textbooks for Grade 8 and 9 learners and training for four teachers. The new classrooms were completed and fully operational in time for the first school term in 2025.
“The school needed support to stay relevant in a fast-evolving academic environment,” said David Sullivan, divisional CEO at LHM. “By investing in this initiative, we’re helping build a future pipeline of digitally literate talent. This collaboration exemplifies how business partnerships can contribute meaningfully to local development, not only through industrial capability, but by investing in the people and potential of the communities they operate in.”
For more information contact ACTOM, +27 10 136 0216, [email protected], www.actom.co.za
Further reading:
A new era for African engineering
News
A group of mostly South African engineering professionals who bought a controlling margin of the South African arm of Netherlands-based engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV have rebranded it as Atana.
Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE builds regional strength with Gqeberha expansion
News
With the Eastern Cape firmly established as a hub for key industries such as automotive manufacturing, ports, agriprocessing and renewable energy, SEW-EURODRIVE is strengthening its presence in the region through an ongoing significant expansion of its facility in Gqeberha.
Read more...
Functional safety explained
News
The SAIMC supports Pepperl+Fuchs, a National Member, in a free four-part online seminar series focused on Functional Safety.
Read more...
The Future of manufacturing in Africa
News
The future and development of African manufacturing will be discussed extensively at the upcoming Manufacturing Indaba conference, to be hosted on 15 to 16 July 2025 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre.
Read more...
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
Fostering a collaborative learning environment for sugar producer
SKF South Africa
News
One of South Africa’s leading sugar producers made strategic use of its off-crop season, turning scheduled downtime into an opportunity for both essential maintenance and valuable skills development with the help of SKF
Read more...
TechAccess and Schneider Electric partnership goes from strength to strength
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric, together with its longstanding partner TechAccess, is poised to take the Southern African market by storm.
Read more...
Steinmüller Africa and Eskom uplift eMalahleni communities
News
Steinmüller Africa, in partnership with Eskom, has reaffirmed its commitment to social upliftment by donating essential goods and creating meaningful connections with two impactful community organisations in eMalahleni.
Read more...
Comtest calibration user group seminar
News
Comtest invites metrology and calibration professionals to a focused technical seminar series aimed at demystifying some of the most common hurdles in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Read more...
Technology leaders shaping 2025
News
In an era where agility, innovation and execution are paramount, ABI Research’s latest report, ‘26 Technology Companies Leading the Way in 2025’ identifies the top players shaping the future across key digital technology segments.
Read more...