Page 25 - EngineerIT June July Issue 2026

AUTOMOTIVE

Last year, on 15 and 16 October 2025, the inaugural University
of Stellenbosch Colloquium showcased research and services
developed by students participating in joint projects with the
BMW IT Hub. In 2026, coinciding with this milestone anniversary,
the Colloquium, in collaboration with the BMW IT Hub, is hosting
a week-long innovation programme for students from different
South African universities. This initiative aims to empower top
students with hands-on skills and exposure to cutting-edge
technologies, further cementing BMW Group’s commitment to
fostering academic excellence and industry innovation.

Celebrating the milestone
To celebrate these achievements, BMW Group South Africa hosted
an anniversary event at the IT Hub in Menlyn, Pretoria, bringing
together government officials, industry and media partners, and
academia. The proceedings were honoured by the presence
of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, highlighting the strong
partnership between BMW Group South Africa and the provincial
government in advancing digital skills and innovation.

Students from the Graduate Tech Academy were also in
attendance, including members of the cohort of 134 students
onboarded in January 2026, showcasing the future of the
hub. The day included live showcases of South African-
developed AI innovations, guided tours of the hub’s state-
of-the-art facilities and a fireside discussion focused on
the next generation of tech talent. The event served as both
a reflection on 20 years of success and a commitment to
continued investment in the region.

20 years after opening its doors in Pretoria, the BMW IT Hub South
Africa continues to play an important role in the BMW Group’s
global digital ecosystem. As the BMW Group accelerates its digital
transformation, the BMW IT Hub remains firmly focused on the
future. It continues to nurture talent, embrace new technologies
and contribute to the Group’s global success.

A Hub for talent
The BMW IT Hub South Africa
Beyond the balance sheets, the IT Hub has
dedicated the last two decades to closing the The BMW IT Hub South Africa, established in 2006 in Pretoria,
digital skills gap. Coinciding with Youth Month, the is one of the BMW Group’s largest global technology centres
facility is emphasising its outreach programmes and the largest IT Hub outside Germany. It plays a critical
and university partnerships, which have reached role in supporting the BMW Group’s global digital ecosystem,
more than 40,000 individuals through mentorship
delivering scalable technology solutions across production,
and career exposure.
customer experience and enterprise systems.
The Hub continues to invest in these initiatives to
broaden digital access and connect young South
The BMW Group
Africans, including 134 Graduate Tech Academy
With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
(GTA) participants in 2026, with high-growth career
pathways in media and technology. Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium
manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also
th
The BMW IT Hub South Africa celebrates its 20 provides premium financial services. The BMW Group
anniversary with strengthened partnerships production network comprises over 30 production sites
across leading academic institutions, including
worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more
the University of Pretoria and the University of
than 140 countries.
Stellenbosch.

25 | EngineerIT June/July 2026