Letaba TVET Tzaneen launches new R5m innovation lab

LIMPOPO – Letaba TVET College’s Tzaneen campus is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution with the launch of a newly built innovation lab.

The facility was officially opened recently by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

The state-of-the-art lab features a game development room where students design and create their own games; a 3D printing section that teaches students how to print on various surfaces; and a robotics section where they build and program robots to perform different tasks.

The lab also includes a drone room, where students learn to operate and repair drones, as well as a podcast and filming studio that allows them to produce their own podcasts and television content independently.

College principal Benjamin Moshoma said the facility supports entrepreneurship and innovation among students.

He explained that, upon completing their studies, students will be equipped to start their own businesses, whether in 3D printing, podcasting, or game development.

Moshoma added that the lab, funded by the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), cost approximately R5m.

The funding also covered renovations to the building.

Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya also paid a special visit to the institution.

She told the Herald she was impressed by the college’s initiative and encouraged by the students’ eagerness to learn.

However, she advised students to conduct further research in their respective fields to broaden their exposure.

This marks the second innovation lab within Letaba TVET College.

The first was launched last year at the Modjadji campus in Kgapane, which offers similar technology.

That facility also includes boardrooms and meeting spaces available free of charge to small and emerging businesses.