The Tshwane metro launched its first Interactive Digital Centre (IDC) in Hatfield on Tuesday. The IDC is a collaboration between the municipality and EON Reality, an IT company in the US, aimed at providing a highly advanced 3D facility to train Pretoria and beyond in specialised information, technology and communications.

Tshwane IDC director Dave Lockwood and Tshwane metro group information officer Dumisani Otumile at the launch
of the Tshwane Interactive digital centre in Hatfield on Tuesday. PHOTO: Tshegofatso Ngobeni | CAPTION: Rekord

Tshwane IDC director Dave Lockwood described the initiative as the first of its kind in the country and continent.

“There are 32 students who are a part of the programme currently and we hope that they will go on to create jobs,” Lockwood said.

Its focus will not only be on gaming but on education, training and development.

It is also expected to be a key player in the emerging virtual reality and augmented reality fraternity, enhancing the city’s overall competitiveness.

“SA has a challenge of skills development and training especially when it comes to technology. We don’t’ want sufficient infrastructure. We want people to learn through seeing not just by theory,” Otumile said.

Speaking on behalf mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, MMC for economic development and planning Subesh Pillay said that the centre was not an expense but a investment.

“We want to be a leader in the new generation of leaders in this country. This is why education is an important sector for us,” Pillay said.

The centre is expected to cost R140 million and will welcome trainees from schools, vocational and training centres as well universities.

Applications from people with an interest in multimedia, graphic design and programming would be considered and successful applicants would be trained by highly qualified trainers from the US, Manchester, England and Singapore.

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