The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, will launch the Mpumalanga Skills Development Zone (SDZ), an initiative led by the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk.
The launch will formally establish the Mpumalanga SDZ and mobilise commitment from government, education and training institutions, SETAs, industry, organised labour and development partners towards its implementation.
The launch will take place at the Nkangala District Municipality will serve as the initial anchor locality, with Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete Local Municipalities participating in the initial implementation, while Nkangala TVET College will serve as the anchor education and training institution.
The launch will culminate in a Joint Declaration of Commitment by Minister Manamela, the Premier of Mpumalanga Mr Mandla Ndlovu, and the Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality Mr Thomas Ngwenya. It will also establish a shared understanding of the governance and institutional responsibilities of the SDZ, its implementation priorities and resource requirements, while mobilising support for the Mpumalanga Regional Skills Plan and related skills development interventions.
Minister Manamela is expected to outline how the Just Energy Transition is creating new demand for skills, including artisans, technicians and engineers and how the post-school education and training system is responding to the emerging opportunities.
Members of the media are invited to attend as follows:
Date: Thursday 29 October 2026
Time: 09:00
Venue: Nkangala District Municipality Offices, Mpumalanga
RSVP: Mahlatse Galane on
Cell: 082 803 5732
Media enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Spokesperson to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Cell: 082 679 9473
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