Twenty-nine young South Africans are showcasing their technical and vocational skills alongside some of the world’s best young skilled professionals at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China.
The competition, which runs from 22 - 27 September 2026, brings together young people, industry, academia and government leaders from around the world to promote excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Team South Africa is competing in 27 skills categories, including Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration, Construction and Water Technology.
The South African delegation 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 scale of the competition reflects the growing global importance of technical and vocational skills. This year’s event has attracted a record 1 385 competitors from 68 countries and regions, providing a platform for young professionals to demonstrate technical ability, precision, innovation and problem-solving skills.
The competition also enables WorldSkills member countries to exchange knowledge, learn from one another and benchmark approaches to skills development and TVET.
For Team South Africa, the road to Shanghai began with the WorldSkills South Africa Regional Heats and National Competition in March 2026, where young skilled professionals competed for the opportunity to represent the country internationally.
Speaking to SABC News in Shanghai, South African Renewable Energy competitor Simiso Biyela said the team was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“It is an exciting opportunity for myself, and also for all my counterparts. We will give it everything to ensure that we go home with a gold medal, particularly in our category,” Biyela said.
Showcasing South African skills
Dube-Ncube urged the competitors to embrace the opportunity to represent South Africa and demonstrate the country’s skills capabilities on the international stage.
“You have earned your place on this global stage through hard work, discipline and excellence. You are representing yourselves, your families, your institutions and the many young South Africans who aspire to build meaningful careers through skills.”
She encouraged the team to compete with confidence, determination and pride, and to demonstrate the capabilities of South African skills.
Sishi said WorldSkills is about more than competition and medals but also provide an opportunity to change perceptions of TVET and encourage more young people to pursue careers as artisans.
“WorldSkills demonstrates what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to develop and showcase their technical abilities. We want more young South Africans to recognise TVET colleges as institutions of opportunity and to consider artisan careers as a pathway into employment and entrepreneurship."
He said South Africa needs more qualified artisans to support infrastructure, manufacturing, and the broader economy.
“We therefore encourage young people to enter our TVET colleges in greater numbers, acquire the skills our economy needs and become part of building the South Africa we want,” he said.
Turning skills investment into opportunity
The NSF is one of the main funders of WorldSkills South Africa, supporting the country’s participation in the international competition while contributing to technical and vocational skills development, exposure to international standards and the strengthening of the skills pipeline.
Erra said the investment should ultimately create opportunities for young people beyond the competition.
“Our investment in WorldSkills South Africa is an investment in the potential of our young people and, ultimately, in the future of our economy,” she said.
She called on industry to create pathways for young talent emerging from the WorldSkills programme, saying government could not achieve this alone.
“Industry has an important role to play in providing opportunities for young people to apply and further develop their skills. We encourage industry to open its doors to the talent emerging from WorldSkills so that our investment in skills development translates into meaningful economic participation,” Erra said.
Ahead of the competition’s opening ceremony, Team South Africa participated in the One School, One Member programme and visited Sanda University’s Junhai Campus.
The NSF said the team’s participation is about more than medals, as it is a platform that highlights the importance of raising skills standards, expanding opportunities, and demonstrating that technical and vocational skills can provide pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za
