Mpumalanga has hosted the country’s first launch of the Skills Development Zone (SDZ), marking a step towards strengthening the alignment between skills development and the needs of local industries. The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, led the launch at the Nkangala District Council Chamber in Middelburg.
The event was attended by the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Mr Thulasizwe Thomo; Nkangala District Executive Mayor, Councillor Thomas Ngwenya; academics; and representatives of the embassies of Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Minister Manamela said the SDZ aims to strengthen coordination among education and training institutions, employers and government to ensure that skills development responds to local economic needs and creates pathways to employment.
The Director-General in the Office of the Premier, Ms Maggie Skosana, highlighted the urgency of aligning skills development programmes with the requirements of existing and emerging industries, particularly in the face of rising unemployment.
Minister Manamela further emphasised that Mpumalanga’s established industries, including mining, electricity generation and petrochemicals, will continue to require skilled workers. He said the SDZ would serve as a coordination mechanism to ensure that skills development responds to the province’s economic needs.
The SDZ will focus on identifying the occupations and competencies required by industry, strengthening training programmes and facilities, and expanding opportunities for apprenticeships, learnerships and internships. It will also support workers to reskill as industries evolve and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to participate in emerging economic activities.
The initiative further supports an inclusive Just Energy Transition, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, including women, young people and persons with disabilities. Through collaboration among education and training institutions, local businesses and community partners, the SDZ seeks to expand access to green and digital skills, bursary opportunities, centres of specialisation and other programmes that support pathways to employment.