Case Study: Nelson Mandela University develops industry-ready automotive engineers with Dassault Systèmes V5 PLM

Nelson Mandela University - Customer Case Study

Nelson Mandela University developed a 4‑year Mechatronics degree to close a growing automotive engineering skills gap in post‑regime‑change South Africa. To give students industry‑standard design‑to‑manufacture experience and native file compatibility with OEMs, the university adopted Dassault Systemes V5 PLM software—principally CATIA V5 and DELMIA—throughout its curriculum.

Dassault Systemes’ solution, supplied and installed locally by partner CDC, provided 30 seats of CATIA V5 and DELMIA, enabling hands‑on projects (robotic cells, intelligent welding, a student‑built car) and an exchange program with Stuttgart. The result: graduates placed at VW, Mercedes Benz, GM and other local OEMs, strong employer ties, more than 30 industry bursaries, and demonstrably higher competency across the production chain thanks to Dassault Systemes’ V5 PLM.

Nelson Mandela University

Karl Du Preez

Head of Mechanical Engineering