Virtual Reality Innovation Hub and Training Center South Africa

Virtual Reality Innovation Hub – Klerksdorp, South Africa

On 25 October 2018, we purchased a house in Klerksdorp, North West, South Africa, with the vision of converting it into a Virtual Reality Innovation Hub.

The goal of this initiative is to address the long-term skills shortage in South Africa by training people in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality development, design, and production.

We see VR and AR as key drivers of the 4th Industrial Revolution and believe they will become foundational technologies for how people interact with digital systems in the future.

Training Focus Areas

The Innovation Hub is designed to provide practical, hands-on training in immersive technology development, including:

• C# Programming
• Unity 3D Development
• Blender 3D Modelling
• Panorama Images and Virtual Tours
• 360° Video Capture and Post-Production
• Animation
• 3D Texturing

Documenting the Innovation Hub Journey

We began documenting the transformation of the property into a training and development space. However, during this process, the house was vandalized, and we are currently in the process of restoring and rebuilding it into the planned Innovation Hub and training centre.

Klerksdorp Innovation Hub – Condition Report (2019)

A virtual tour was created on 6 April 2019 to document the condition of the property after the vandalism. This tour serves three main purposes:

1. To document the extent of the damage
2. To outline the planned transformation into an Innovation Hub
3. To track and preserve the progress of redevelopment

Images of the Vandalized Property

The property suffered extensive damage, including stolen electrical infrastructure, damaged plumbing, and broken fixtures.

Significant damage to the property following vandalism.

Interior damage including removed fittings and infrastructure.

Overview of vandalized areas within the planned Innovation Hub.

The estimated damage was approximately R250,000, while the stolen materials are believed to have had a significantly lower resale value. This highlights broader socio-economic challenges and the importance of creating skills development and employment opportunities in local communities.

Rebuilding the Virtual Reality Innovation Hub

We are currently seeking support and sponsorship to restore and develop the Virtual Reality Innovation Hub into a fully functional training centre.

The goal is to provide accessible education in immersive technologies and contribute to future job creation in the digital and creative technology sectors.

For updates and progress on the project, visit:
https://geraldferreira.com/category/innovation-hub/

For collaboration or sponsorship opportunities, contact Gerald Ferreira at +27 72 234 7513.