The South African Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande sets to unveil a three-dimensional 3D technology demonstration project with prospects of improving the delivery of RDP houses in South Africa.

Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director-General of Technology at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) said that the 3D technology demonstration project seeks to look at how science and technology can help modernize the construction industry.

The three-dimensional technology demonstration project is South Africa’s first 3D construction printing technology. It represents a novel technology in the manufacturing sector that is associated with potentially strong stimuli for sustainable development. 

The project is being funded by the South African government and implemented by the University of Johannesburg in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements.

Muofhe said, “technology is beginning to run all aspects of the economy, that is why we have started this project so that we can look at what technologies can be brought into the construction sector to revolutionize it”.

Nzimande said that 3D printing can improve housing delivery, assess the social acceptance of the houses, and evaluate long-term policy implications of the technology in the country.