Cape Town - The German International School Cape Town (DSK) has launched its new science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) Centre in Tamboerskloof, aimed at addressing a skills gap in South Africa.
DSK board chairperson Angela Naumann-Daun, together with the German Deputy Consul-General, Sven Hartwig, said R38 million was invested in advancing STEM skills in South Africa.
“This building embodies the spirit of collaboration between our two countries, showcasing how we can work together to advance STEM education and equip the next generation with the skills they will need in a rapidly changing world,” said Hartwig.
Education MEC David Maynier welcomed the new school.
He said the collaboration with Germany highlighted the importance of STEM education, while the province remained committed to equipping learners with the skills necessary to thrive in careers related to AI and robotics.
“The DSK STEM Centre aims to bridge the significant STEM skills gap in South Africa, which is essential for setting our learners on a pathway to diversity in work and ensuring a brighter future for them all,” said Maynier.
The MEC added that the department wanted to give children the best possible learning outcomes to advance their higher education prospects, focusing on building skills capacity in reading and numeracy.
The DSK STEM Centre is set to address the need for 2-3 million engineers in Africa by 2030.
Hartwig said that the launch of the DSK STEM Centre marked a significant milestone for the broader German-South African partnership in education and innovation.
Sabrina Gellermann, principal of DSK, and head of STEM and DSK, Astrid Schreier, said their focus remained on progression.
Schreier highlighted the centre’s approach to Project Week, where learners from Grades 1 to 12 tackled real-world problems aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“The centre’s purpose is to develop both futuristic innovators and a strong foundation of skilled students. The building is also a model for ecofriendly construction and responsible innovation, ensuring young people learn to innovate responsibly for a greener future,” said Schreier.