On a bright morning inside the Nelson Mandela University Digital Dome, the air was filled with pride, laughter, and reflection as guests gathered to celebrate a powerful milestone — 10 years of iGEMS (Incubating Great Engineering Minds).

Hosted by Unity in Africa, this special event marked a decade of connecting education to opportunityand transforming the lives of hundreds of young people across the Eastern Cape. It was a day of gratitude, celebration, and inspiration.

A Journey of Transformation
From humble beginnings, iGEMS has grown into a movement — a programme that not only educates but transforms. Over the past decade, the initiative has impacted more than 1,000 learners, nurtured 27 engineering graduates, and achieved nearly 100% employment among alumni.

Director Berenice Rose shared that the success lies in iGEMS’ focus on quality over quantity:

“iGEMS is a niche programme, and we believe in quality above quantity. A student typically spends seven to eight years on the programme before graduating — it’s a journey of growth, commitment, and transformation.”

The morning celebrated this journey with stories of perseverance, academic achievement, and personal triumph.

Voices of Impact
The event opened with a heartfelt address by alumnus Sachin Louw, one of the first iGEMS participants from 2015, who reflected on how the programme shaped his path from Gelvandale High School to becoming a young engineer at Jurmani Solutions.

He reminded guests:

“The experiences and values I gained from being part of iGEMS have stayed with me — as a learner, a graduate, and now, as a professional.”

Throughout the morning, other alumni — including Jewandre Witbooi, Litha Nohashe, Kazina Mavayi, Hayley Kerspay, and Mandilakhe Gqolana — shared their journeys, each a testament to iGEMS’ mission of developing employable, industry-ready engineers who give back to their communities.

Recognising Achievements
This year, iGEMS proudly celebrated 10 graduates from 2024, including both undergraduates and postgraduates, who are now working across South Africa in engineering, technology, and finance. Their achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also the strength of partnerships between schools, industry, and mentors who make the iGEMS vision possible

Shaping the Future
Guest speakers, including Kelvin Naidoo, Yanesh Naidoo and Ajit Gopalakrishnan, explored the evolving landscape of engineering — from global manufacturing shifts to the rise of AI and innovation in South Africa. Their insights reminded attendees of the importance of preparing young engineers for a rapidly changing world.

Chairman Evan Dold and long-time supporter Michelle Brown closed the celebration by thanking the partners, donors, and facilitators who have made the iGEMS dream a reality.

As the morning concluded, guests were invited to view the Student Interview Process (SIP) — a defining feature of the iGEMS journey, where Grade 12 learners meet with local manufacturing companies for real-world work placements.

Looking Ahead
Ten years on, iGEMS stands as a model of hope and empowerment in the Eastern Cape — a reminder that with mentorship, opportunity, and belief, young minds can shape industries and build brighter futures.

💡 “The future of engineering in South Africa starts with iGEMS.”

Watch the 10-Year Celebration video and discover the stories behind the milestone:
🎥  Watch on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeJtWcxQ0zo

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