FROM NATIONAL VISION TO PLACE-BASED IMPLEMENTATION: OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE MPUMALANGA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ZONE
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, will lead the official launch of the Mpumalanga Skills Development Zone on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at the Nkangala District Municipality's office in Mpumalanga. The Minister will be joined by Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, in marking this significant milestone in the province's skills development agenda.
As the lead department for the JET Skills Portfolio, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is responsible for strengthening the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system to respond effectively to JET-related skills demands. Within this framework, Skills Development Zones (SDZs) have been introduced as place-based coordination platforms that connect education and training institutions, employers, government, labour, communities, and development partners in the regions most affected by the transition.
The launch aims to officially establish the Mpumalanga Skills Development Zone as part of the national JET Skills Ecosystem. It will demonstrate political leadership and provincial ownership of the JET skills agenda, and present the SDZ governance and coordination arrangements, as well as the roles of key stakeholders. The launch will also mobilise collaboration across government, education and training institutions, industry, labour, municipalities, and communities, and signal the commencement of coordinated skills planning and implementation in Mpumalanga.
The launch will bring together high-level stakeholders, including the Premier and Members of the Executive Council (MECs), as well as Deputy Ministers and Executive Mayors. Senior officials from DHET, the Presidency, and the JET Project Management Unit (PMU) will attend, together with provincial departments and public entities. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and local government, including district and local municipalities, will also be represented. Eskom will take part as a central actor in energy transition, decommissioning, repurposing, and reskilling. Further participants include TVET colleges, CET colleges, and universities, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and the National Skills Fund (NSF). Industry and organised business, labour and worker representatives, community and youth organisations, and development partners will complete the list of attendees.
The launch is expected to result in the formal establishment of the Mpumalanga Skills Development Zone and a shared understanding of governance, roles, and coordination arrangements. It is also expected to strengthen collaboration among provincial and national stakeholders and build momentum for the development of the Regional JET Skills Plan. In addition, it will position Mpumalanga as a pilot province for place-based JET skills development.
Members of the media are invited, and there will be an opportunity for photos and interviews.
Details of the launch are as follows:
Date: 29 October 2026
Time: 09:55
Location: Nkangala District Municipality's office, in Mpumalanga
Media Enquiries:
Ms. Mamphokhu Khuluvhe
Strategic Lead: JET Skills Desk
082 870 2768
Mr. Sean Fenn
New Energy Vehicle Specialist
082 811 8978
For Media Confirmations:
Ms. Tlangelani Rikhotso
Office of the Premier
079 516 6991
