KwaZulu-Natal Businesswoman Launches South Africa’s First Tutor Robot

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Thando Gumede, a pioneering businesswoman from the deep rural areas of Hluhluwe, has made history by introducing South Africa’s first tutor robot, capable of teaching all subjects from Grade R to tertiary level in each of the country’s 11 official languages.

Gumede, 31, who previously worked as an educator, began developing the innovative technology eight years ago. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) significantly expedited the project’s completion, allowing Gumede to incorporate advanced features into the robot, named Iris.

The robot was unveiled in Durban through a collaboration between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Basic Education Department. Iris is designed to provide interactive lessons for all educational levels while delivering real-time feedback, all in the diverse languages of South Africa.

“The goal is to support teachers and empower students to achieve their full potential,” Gumede explained during the launch. She added, “I competed against 50 countries in Dubai for the best technology, and I received the top position. This experience motivated me to return and address educational challenges I witnessed firsthand while teaching. Iris serves as a tutor robot, assisting overworked teachers who often struggle to balance their instructional responsibilities with their personal lives.”

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, officiated at the launch, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in education. “Innovation is crucial. This tool will aid educators by enhancing teaching and learning, providing support with subject matter, and clarifying concepts for learners. If embraced, such innovations can significantly lighten the workload of teachers,” Gina stated.

The Department of Basic Education is committed to redefining educational methods through technology and information communication technology (ICT) to ensure quality education for all. Mbongiseni Mazibuko, the department’s provincial deputy director general, confirmed the ongoing rollout of technical and technological studies across KwaZulu-Natal.

“We must adapt our teaching approaches to prepare learners for a rapidly changing job market. Our programs will allow students to explore varied subjects across academic, vocational, and technical streams,” Mazibuko said. He also highlighted the focus on establishing specialized schools, such as the maritime school in Umlazi and an engineering and ICT school near Newcastle, to equip learners with the necessary skills for future career opportunities in the evolving landscape.

With Iris, Gumede and the government aim to create a more efficient and effective educational system that meets the needs of modern learners and prepares them for the future.