Twenty-nine young South Africans are participating in the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026. The competition 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 competition 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 road to Shanghai for Team South Africa began with the WorldSkills South Africa Regional Heats and National Competition in March 2026. 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 and bring home a gold medal.
Dube-Ncube urged the competitors to embrace the opportunity to represent South Africa and demonstrate the country's skills capabilities on the international stage. 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 provides an opportunity to change perceptions of TVET and encourage more young people to pursue careers as artisans.
Sishi emphasized that South Africa needs more qualified artisans to support infrastructure, manufacturing, and the broader economy. He encouraged young people to enter TVET colleges in greater numbers, acquire the skills the economy needs, and become part of building the South Africa they want. 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.
Erra said the investment in WorldSkills South Africa is an investment in the potential of young people and, ultimately, in the future of the economy. She called on industry to create pathways for young talent emerging from the WorldSkills program, 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.
Ahead of the competition's opening ceremony, Team South Africa participated in the One School, One Member program 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.
Key points
- Team South Africa competes in 27 skills categories at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China.
- The competition aims to promote excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and provides a platform for young professionals to demonstrate technical ability, precision, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
- The National Skills Fund (NSF) supports the country's participation in the international competition, contributing to technical and vocational skills development and exposure to international standards.
