Twenty-nine young South Africans represented the country at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, where they competed against some of the world's leading young skilled professionals.
The international skills competition brings together young professionals, industry representatives, academics and government leaders 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.
South African Youth Compete On Global Stage
The South African delegation is led by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube. The delegation also includes Department of Higher Education and Training Director-General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi and National Skills Fund (NSF) Acting Chief Executive Officer Melissa Erra.
This year's WorldSkills competition has attracted a record 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions. The event gives young professionals an opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability, precision, innovation and problem-solving skills.
It also allows WorldSkills member countries to exchange knowledge, learn from one another and compare approaches to skills development and TVET.
For Team South Africa, the journey to Shanghai began with the WorldSkills South Africa Regional Heats and National Competition in March 2026. The competition gave young skilled professionals the opportunity to compete for a place on the national team.
South African Renewable Energy competitor Simiso Biyela told SABC News that the team was determined to make the most of the international 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 encouraged the competitors to embrace the opportunity to represent South Africa and demonstrate the country's technical and vocational skills 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 Team South Africa to compete with confidence, determination and pride while demonstrating the capabilities of South African skills.
Sishi said WorldSkills is about more than competition and medals. He said the event also provides an opportunity to change perceptions of TVET and encourage more young people to consider 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 development, 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.
National Skills Fund Supports WorldSkills
The National Skills Fund is one of the main funders of WorldSkills South Africa. Its support contributes to the country's participation in the international competition, exposure to international standards and the development of South Africa's technical and vocational skills pipeline.
Erra said the investment in WorldSkills 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 also called on industry to create opportunities for young people emerging from the WorldSkills programme, saying government cannot 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.
Team South Africa Takes Part In International Activities
Before 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 winning medals. The international competition provides a platform to highlight the importance of raising skills standards, expanding opportunities and demonstrating how technical and vocational skills can create pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
