Shanghai:Twenty-nine young South Africans are demonstrating their technical and vocational skills at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China. This event, which takes place from September 22 to 27, 2026, gathers participants from around the world to promote excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
According to South African Government News Agency, the event sees Team South Africa competing in 27 skills categories, such as Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, and Plumbing and Heating. The team is led by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube and includes Department of Higher Education and Training Director-General Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi and National Skills Fund (NSF) Acting Chief Executive Officer Melissa Erra.
The competition underscores the global importance of technical and vocational skills, with 1,385 competitors from 68 countries participating. It provides a platform for young professionals to showcase their technical abilities and innovation, while also allowing countries to exchange knowledge and benchmark skills development.
Team South Africa's journey to Shanghai began with regional heats and a national competition in March 2026. Renewable Energy competitor Simiso Biyela expressed the team's determination to succeed and bring home a gold medal.
Dube-Ncube encouraged the competitors to embrace the opportunity and demonstrate South Africa's skills on the global stage. She highlighted the importance of representing the country with confidence and excellence.
Sishi emphasized that WorldSkills is about more than competition, aiming to change perceptions of TVET and encourage more young people to pursue artisan careers. He noted the need for more qualified artisans to support South Africa's economy and urged young people to enroll in TVET colleges.
The NSF, a main funder of WorldSkills South Africa, supports the country's participation and emphasizes the importance of skills investment. Erra called on industry to create pathways for young talent, stressing that government alone cannot achieve this goal.
Ahead of the competition, Team South Africa engaged in the One School, One Member programme and visited Sanda University's Junhai Campus, highlighting the broader impact of skills development beyond winning medals.
