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Our team

The people behind PrintAcademy 3D bring together training, technical support and classroom planning for schools across South Africa. From Stellenbosch to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha, the team helps educators set up practical 3D-printing spaces that work in real school conditions.

Our team

Lwazi Molapo

Training Coordinator

Lizanne Rossouw

School Lab Consultant

Lwandle Msiza

Technical Support Lead

Hlengiwe Mabunda

Curriculum Content Writer

Rivaaz Nair

Workshop Facilitator

Amahle Mkhwanazi

Operations Administrator

Leadership that keeps the training practical

Ettienne Truter leads the business from our Stellenbosch base, with a steady focus on what schools actually need in the classroom. He keeps the training side and the lab supply side aligned, so teachers get guidance that is practical, realistic and ready for day-to-day use. His approach is hands-on, with an eye on safe use, simple routines and equipment that can handle school schedules, load shedding and busy terms.

When schools ask for guidance on planning a 3D-printing space, Ettienne looks at the full picture: room layout, learner flow, storage, maintenance and how the setup will support lessons over time. He is often involved in the first conversation through the enquiry form and helps shape the right path from there.

  • Supports school enquiries and project planning
  • Oversees training, lab setup and service delivery
  • Helps schools choose a realistic starting point

Training that helps teachers feel confident

Lwazi Molapo coordinates training with a strong focus on clear steps and calm classroom delivery. She works closely with teachers who are new to 3D printing as well as those who want to build confidence with design, machine use and lesson flow. Her role is to make the learning process feel manageable, especially for schools balancing limited time, mixed learner abilities and packed timetables.

Rivaaz Nair facilitates workshops and keeps sessions active, practical and easy to follow. He is at his best when people need to move from theory into real printing tasks, file preparation and classroom demonstrations. Rivaaz works well with small groups and larger staff sessions, and he keeps the pace steady so nobody gets left behind.

  • Teacher Introduction and Teacher Intermediate support
  • Learner Foundations and Maker Club sessions
  • Holiday Programme and Custom Group Workshop facilitation

School lab planning that fits real classrooms

Lizanne Rossouw supports schools with lab kit guidance and setup planning, helping teachers work through what is needed before the first machine is switched on. She looks at the practical side of the space, including power access, ventilation, storage, supervision and how to keep the area organised during lessons. Her work is especially useful for schools that want a clear plan before ordering equipment.

Hlengiwe Mabunda develops curriculum content that supports classroom use without making things complicated. She focuses on activities that suit different age groups and learning goals, so teachers can run sessions with clear outcomes and sensible progression. Her writing helps keep the lesson material grounded in what learners can do with their hands and minds, not just what they read on a page.

  • Lab Setup Course guidance for school teams
  • Content support for CAD Basics and Printer Operations
  • Practical classroom activities for maker spaces

Technical support that keeps machines working

Lwandle Msiza leads technical support and is the person many schools rely on when a printer needs attention or a user needs help understanding the machine. He brings a measured, practical way of solving problems, from basic maintenance to common printing issues that can slow a class down. His support is especially valuable where schools need to keep things running smoothly through busy terms and different weather conditions, including coastal humidity and dust.

Lwandle also helps schools think ahead about maintenance habits, cleaning routines and safe storage so the equipment lasts longer. He explains things in plain language and keeps the focus on what teachers and support staff can do themselves before calling for more help.

  • Maintenance Basics support for school staff
  • Printer troubleshooting and routine care guidance
  • Advice for keeping lab kits in working order

Operations that keep orders and training on track

Amahle Mkhwanazi manages operations and keeps the moving parts in order, from scheduling to follow-up and internal coordination. Her role matters when schools need clear communication and a dependable process from the first enquiry through to training or delivery planning. She helps make sure information is captured properly and that nothing falls through the cracks.

For schools and educators, that means a smoother experience when arranging sessions in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Somerset West or further afield. Amahle keeps things organised so the rest of the team can focus on the work in front of them.

  • Handles bookings and internal coordination
  • Supports school communication and follow-up
  • Helps keep training and delivery timelines clear

A team built for school 3D printing

The team is built around real school needs, not theory alone. Each member has a clear role, but the work overlaps in useful ways: training, technical help, planning and classroom support all feed into the same goal. That is why schools across South Africa can ask for help with one workshop, a full lab setup or ongoing support for teachers and learners.

Whether a school is starting small or building a full maker space, the team keeps the conversation practical. The focus stays on safe use, simple routines and equipment that fits the way schools actually operate, from urban campuses to coastal schools dealing with moisture, interrupted power and limited space.

If you need help planning a course or a classroom lab kit, the enquiry form on the contact page is the best place to start.

Questions we get asked

Who should contact the team first at a school?

Any teacher, department head, ICT lead or school manager can start the enquiry. The team will help route the request to the right person, whether it is for training, a lab setup or maintenance support.

Do you only work with schools in Stellenbosch?

No. The team is based in Stellenbosch, but they support schools across South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha.

Can the team help with a brand new 3D-printing space?

Yes. They can guide the full process, from the first classroom discussion to lab setup planning, teacher training and ongoing technical support.

Discuss a school 3D printing project.

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