The Departments of Information Technology and Electronic Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in collaboration with Lenovo Southern Africa, Toyota South Africa and Moses Kotane Research Institute is excited to announce the RoboGirl 2025 Media Launch, which will be held at the Moses Kotane Research Institute offices in Durban on Monday, 01 December 2025 at 08h00.
The RoboGirl 2025 participants will also get to engage with the vibrant DUT robot, Neo.
The media launch will mark the start of RoboGirl 2025, a five-day training and skills development initiative aimed at empowering 80 young women in technology and innovation. This year’s programme will bring together 16 schools from Durban and the surroundings areas, each represented by five talented girls from Grades 9, 10, and 11, for an unforgettable week of learning, creativity, and competition.
According to Mr Ebrahim Asmal, Head of Department in the Department of Information Technology at DUT, from Monday, 01 December 2025 to Friday, 05 December 2025 participants will undergo intensive training focused on drone technology, which is the theme for this year’s event. Mr Asmal shared that the sessions will cover the fundamentals of drone design, programming, and applications in various industries, equipping these future innovators with cutting-edge skills.
“On Saturday, 06 December 2025, the RoboGirl 2025 programme will reach its peak with a Drone Technology Competition. Teams will showcase their newly acquired skills by designing and operating drones in a series of challenges that test creativity, technical ability, and problem-solving. By introducing drone technology at the school level, we are planting seeds for future engineers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders. RoboGirl 2025 is a platform for dreams to take flight, literally and figuratively,” explained Mr Asmal.
In addition, he shared that the programme will conclude with a Gala Dinner at the Elangeni Hotel on Saturday, 06 December 2025, where winners will be announced and celebrated. This elegant evening will not only honour outstanding achievements but also serve as a networking platform for participants, educators, and industry leaders committed to advancing women in technology
Mr Asmal expressed his gratitude to the proud sponsors of this annual campaign, sharing that their commitment to education and technology empowerment ensures that young women have access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities to excel in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Sharing similar sentiments, Ms Jane Govindsamy, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Champion at Lenovo Southern Africa said: “Lenovo is committed to empowering young women in STEM to build a more inclusive and innovative future. RoboGirl 2025, in partnership with DUT offers girls across South Africa a unique opportunity to explore drone technology, sharpen problem-solving skills, and ignite their passion for STEM. This initiative bridges the gender gap in technology while equipping future leaders with confidence and the tools to thrive in the digital economy. By investing in early exposure to cutting-edge fields, Lenovo is nurturing tomorrow’s engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.”
She shared that together with their partners, they ensure that participants receive mentorship, resources, and opportunities to excel. Govindsamy said Lenovo remains dedicated to driving positive change through education and technology, inspiring young women to dream big and achieve more.
Pictured: A group of young women who previously participated in the RoboGirl programme.
Simangele Zuma
