Minister Blade Nzimande Undertakes Strategic Visit to the East London Industrial Development Zone Science and Technology Park
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will undertake a strategic engagement and site visit to the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Science and Technology Park (STP) on Friday, 16 October 2026.
The visit will showcase the ELIDZ's Science and Technology Park's role in supporting innovation, enterprise development and technical skills, while exploring collaboration to advance South Africa's science, technology and industrialisation agenda.
The visit will also provide the Minister with an opportunity to engage directly with the leadership of the Provincial and Local Government, the ELIDZ, innovators and entrepreneurs on the opportunities and challenges involved in translating research, technology and new ideas into commercially viable products and services.
Established in 2014, the ELIDZ STP is the first and only Science and Technology Park in South Africa fully integrated within an Industrial Development Zone.
Through incubation, product development, specialised facilities and technology support, it connects innovation with industry and helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to market.
The STP currently supports more than 71 enterprises, contributing to industrial competitiveness and economic development in the Eastern Cape.
At a strategic level, Minister Nzimande's visit forms part of the Ministry's drive to strengthen the Department's relationship with Special Economic Zones, industry, strengthen local and regional innovation ecosystems and support innovation-led industrialisation in South Africa.
The Minister will be joined by the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Ms Nonkqubela Pieters; the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Cllr Princess Faku and the ELIDZ Board Chairperson, Mr Ayanda Kanana.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: ELIDZ Science and Technology Park, East London
RSVP and media enquiries:
Mr Veli Mbele
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Cell: 064 615 0644
Email: veli.mbele@dsti.gov.za
ELIDZ media enquiries:
Siphosethu Tikana (CPRP)
Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
East London Industrial Development Zone
Cell: +27 64 900 8392
Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za
Issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
