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ICT Summit

Ludwe Macingwane

Ms Macingwane joined the leadership team that conceptualized the East London Industrial Development Zone Science and Technology Park. Her passion for innovation and drive to develop entrepreneurs fit well with her move. She has been the Head: Science and Technology Park since 2016, giving strategic direction and oversight on the projects and research activities both current and future within the park.

 

She has recently developed the Science and Technology Park 20-year expansion model with the vision of creating an Innovation District. Some of her major strengths lie in conceptualization of strategic projects and ensuring efficient execution. She has conceptualized and mobilized and secured financial investment and established a number of projects. She is an experienced leader managing large multidisciplinary teams.

 

Macingwane obtained her junior and post graduate qualifications from the University of Johannesburg. She also holds a master’s degree in Leadership of Innovation and Change from the University of York St John’s in the UK. Passionate about innovation, driven by entrepreneurship development joining the East London Industrial Development Zone in 2012 to help conceptualize the Science and Technology Park was a natural fit. She has private sector experience in FMCG, ABI (The soft drink division of SAB) as well as within the ICT spaces (Business Connexion). In 2016 she was an Eastern Cape Regional Business Woman award (BWA) finalist.

 

Below is a synopsis of some of her key successes:

  • Currently the sitting President of International Association of Science Parks and areas of Innovation (IASP) Africa chapter. She represents Africa on the global IASP board, the biggest network of areas of innovation and Science Parks globally. Each continent is represented by a President on the board.
  • Led the conceptualization of an Automotive and Manufacturing incubator within the East London IDZ. She acquired 100% funding for the project and lobbied Mercedes Benz South Africa to be the anchor for the project. This incubator is the first of its kind in the province.
  • Drafted various innovation proposal papers for the eastern cape, one of which received provincial buy in and funding over a three (3) year period. The project started shortly after covid has seen the establishment of the Digital Hub which supports the development and maintenance of smart city technologies.
  • Established and chairs a Eastern Cape Regional Innovation Platform. This forum is a convergence of Academia, Industry and Government to craft innovative solutions for the Eastern Cape (EC) and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality region. The platform receives support from Department of Science and Innovation, EC provincial government, treasury, and industry players.
  • Led the design and development of centers of excellences within the East London Industrial Development Zone, notably a Renewable center of excellence as well as the Design Centre (An advanced manufacturing center equipped with 3D and fabrication equipment.
  • Led the team that negotiated and set up an accredited Water and Food laboratory which was accredited within 18 months of inception – at the time the first laboratory to be accredited with that timeframe.