ELIDZ advances Digital and Advanced Manufacturing Skills through CAD and Game Development Training in Mthatha

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04 FEBRUARY 2024

Subject: ELIDZ advances Digital and Advanced Manufacturing Skills through CAD and Game Development Training in Mthatha.

The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), through its Science and Technology Park (STP) and in partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, is hosting a three-day skills development workshop focusing on Computer Aided Design (CAD), Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), as well as Game Development and Animation from 03 to 05 February 2026 at the Liquid Intelligent Learning Centre in Mthatha.

The training forms part of ELIDZ’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital, innovation, and advanced manufacturing skills across the Eastern Cape, with a particular focus on unemployed youth and emerging entrepreneurs. The programme is designed to provide practical, hands-on exposure to high-demand technologies that support improved employability, entrepreneurship, and participation in the digital economy.

Interest in the programme has been significant, reflecting the increasing demand for future-oriented skills in the province. The CAD and Additive Manufacturing stream attracted 141 applications, from which 30 participants were selected, while the Game Development and Animation stream received 62 applications, with 19 participants currently enrolled. Participation is limited to ensure quality training outcomes and effective practical engagement.

Participants are gaining experience in modern design software, 3D printing technologies, and introductory game development and animation tools. All participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of participation.

ELIDZ continues to position itself as a key enabler of inclusive economic growth and socio-economic transformation, leveraging innovation and technology to unlock opportunities for communities across the province.

Initiatives such as this training workshop contribute to the development of future-ready skills, support entrepreneurship, and align with ELIDZ’s Vision 2030, which prioritises innovation-led growth and community empowerment.

Beyond this workshop, ELIDZ, through its Science and Technology Park (STP), offers a range of skills development, innovation support, and entrepreneurship programmes across the Eastern Cape. These include digital skills training, business incubation, technical capacity building, youth and SMME development initiatives, and community-focused innovation programmes.

In addition, ELIDZ STP, as a CISCO Networking Academy Partner, is currently offering free, self-paced online training programmes in areas such as cybersecurity, programming, networking, and industrial IoT, accessible to young people across the province. Information on these opportunities is shared via ELIDZ’s official social media platforms.

Media Enquiries:

Siphosethu Tikana (CPRP) Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications

Tel: +27 64 900 8392 Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za

Issued by:
East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), an entity of the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT).