Today marked a significant milestone as the MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism (DEDEAT), Ms Nonkqubela Ntomboxolo Pieters, joined key stakeholders, educators, and learners at Umtiza High School in Santa Settlement, East London, to unveil a state-of-the-art Community-Based Digital (4IR) Computer Laboratory. This pioneering initiative, facilitated through the office of the Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and led by the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in partnership with Microsoft South Africa and Deviare, an ICT small business, aims to boost digital literacy, bridge the digital divide, and empower youth in the Eastern Cape.


This project represents the first phase of a five-year Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, with a total investment of R550,000, aimed at supporting five selected schools in the region. The ELIDZ contributed R200,000 to the project, with Microsoft South Africa covering the remaining R350,000. Housed in a repurposed shipping container, this innovative digital lab is fully equipped with 30 laptops, internet connectivity, and backup power, creating a hub of technological advancement and educational opportunity for Umtiza High School and the surrounding community.


In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the ELIDZ Board of Directors, Professor Mlungisi Makhalima, highlighted the organisation’s longstanding relationship with Umtiza High School and expressed eagerness for future projects that will contribute to the improvement of the Eastern Cape Province.


“The ELIDZ is proud to partner with Umtiza High School as we work towards equipping young people with the skills to actively participate in technology-driven industries,” he stated. He emphasised that this initiative would help reduce the digital skills gap in the Eastern Cape, aligning with ELIDZ’s industrial development focus and growing investment in the automotive sector.


“As we transition towards electric vehicles, this project expands our skills pool, preparing our youth to enter the automotive and other technology-intensive sectors.”


Speaking on behalf of Microsoft South Africa, Mr Asif Valley, a key donor and partner, expressed Microsoft’s commitment to driving digital inclusion in underserved communities.


“This partnership represents a step forward in empowering youth with digital skills that are critical for todays and tomorrow’s workforce. By investing in digital education, Microsoft South Africa is helping to lay the foundation for a technology-savvy generation that will drive the South African economy forward. We are honoured to support the ELIDZ and Umtiza High School in this transformative journey,” Valley said.


During her keynote address, the MEC for DEDEAT, Ms Pieters, emphasised the importance of safeguarding this new resource, stating, “I urge the community members to safeguard this state-of-the-art facility.” She highlighted that, “this significant project is part of implementing the pillars of the Eastern Cape economy”.
The MEC underscored that the digital skills Umtiza learners will gain through this initiative will be essential for future success, particularly as the industry landscape rapidly evolves to demand a tech-savvy workforce. She also expressed the need for this transformative initiative to extend into the deep rural areas to ensure broader access to digital literacy across the region.


Director for E-Learning from the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Ms Lutho Kota-Mgwali, highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the Department of Education’s curriculum. “We are pleased with this intervention, which brings us closer to making e-learning a reality across the region,” said Kota- Mgwali.
“This collaboration not only enhances curriculum alignment but also brings meaningful technology access to our learners.”


Managing Director for Deviare, Mr Lubabalo Dyantyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the programme, stating: “We will ensure that the programme is rolled out as planned and that learners acquire the industry-relevant skills needed for future employment and success.”


Ms Lorna Fredderiks, a Grade 11 learner, expressed her appreciation during a demonstration of the new lab, saying: “We are grateful for this opportunity to explore technology. With these skills, we’ll be able to navigate confidently, even when we reach university.”


Her words reflect the enthusiasm of Umtiza High School learners for the programme, which is expected to shape their futures by equipping them with essential digital skills.


The programme will provide digital literacy training to 90 Grade 11 students in three cohorts, each session spanning three months. Upon successful completion, each student will receive a digital literacy certificate, fostering their career readiness and strengthening the local talent pipeline for technology-driven industries, including the automotive sector.


This project also supports long-term community development goals. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by all parties ensures sustainability and operational continuity, marking a milestone in the Eastern Cape’s socio-economic growth strategy.


In addition to empowering learners, the project includes accredited training opportunities for Umtiza High School’s educators to improve teaching quality through technology integration.


This initiative aligns with the ELIDZ’s broader strategy to drive industrial growth by mainstreaming technology across sectors, including the automotive industry.


“We believe technology is key to driving industrial innovation and economic expansion,” said Mr Thembela Zweni, the ELIDZ Chief Executive Officer.

“By embedding digital literacy within education, we are building a foundation for a future-ready workforce and transforming the educational landscape for underserved communities in the Eastern Cape.” said Zweni.
The ELIDZ’s collaboration with CISCO and the establishment of Schubert Park as a technological incubator for small businesses further exemplified its commitment to fostering technology-led development.

Today’s handover reaffirms the ELIDZ’s dedication to enhancing digital literacy, bridging the digital divide, and creating sustainable educational infrastructure that will benefit future generations, especially as the region continues to develop its automotive sector and other key industries.


The new 4IR Computer Laboratory at Umtiza High School will significantly enhance learners’ digital literacy, preparing them for technology-driven careers with industry-aligned training and certification. With access to 30 laptops, internet connectivity, and backup power, students will have the necessary resources to succeed academically and professionally.

Additionally, teachers will receive training to integrate technology into their teaching, further improving educational quality.


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Issued by the ELIDZ
For media queries contact: Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
Mr Sibusiso Ralarala
Email: sibusisor@elidz.co.za
Tel: 066 283 9203