Johannesburg, 27 November 2024 – The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has once again solidified its commitment to advancing skills development across the African continent by hosting a high-level delegation from Benin’s Agence de Développement de l’Enseignement Technique (ADET). This collaboration underscores Africa’s shared vision of fostering sustainable development and economic transformation.
The delegation, representing ADET, NIRAS International Development Consulting, ENR Benin, ANET Benin, and Budget Benin, visited South Africa as part of a feasibility study aimed at creating a sustainable Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) financing and governance mechanism. The engagement served as the delegation’s first leg, where they were welcomed by officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the National Skills Authority, the National Skills Fund, and EWSETA.
Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices
During the visit, the delegation from Benin engaged in insightful discussions focused on South Africa’s skills levy system and TVET financing framework. They explored lessons from the country’s well-established skills development programmes and examined governance models aimed at fostering equitable and sustainable skills development through private-sector collaboration. These exchanges align closely with EWSETA’s strategic mandate to drive skills development in the energy and water sectors by promoting innovation, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the sustainability of vocational education systems across Africa.
Reflecting on the visit, EWSETA CEO Mpho Mookapele stated, “This collaboration reaffirms EWSETA’s role as a trusted partner in global skills development. By sharing South Africa’s best practices and learning from our African counterparts, we can collectively build the skilled workforce required to drive Africa’s economic transformation.”
Building on a Legacy of Collaboration
This visit from Benin follows EWSETA’s successful hosting of a Nigerian delegation in 2023, underscoring its growing reputation as a leader in the African skills development landscape. “Our strategic partnerships model leverages both international and local collaborations to maximise impact. These partnerships enable us to bridge financing gaps and equip thousands of learners with critical skills in renewable energy, water management, and emerging sectors like green hydrogen,” Mookapele added.
EWSETA’s contributions to the BRICS Skills Report launched earlier this year further emphasise the importance of skills development in driving industrialisation and economic growth in key sectors. EWSETA will continue this dialogue at the upcoming Going Global Conference in Nigeria, where its focus will be on South Africa’s skills funding and levy system.
A Shared Vision for a Prosperous Africa
Through initiatives like this, EWSETA demonstrates its commitment to fostering a skills revolution aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Mookapele concluded, “Together, South Africa and Benin exemplify the transformative power of collaboration, building the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.”
ENDS
For media-related queries please contactRami on rami@voguecom.co.za or call 0644 679 9972.
About EWSETA
EWSETA is a leading player in the Energy and Water sector, committed to driving sustainable growth and development. With a focus on innovation and community empowerment, we strive to create a brighter future for all South Africans.
EWSETA is a skills development authority serving the energy and water sectors. It is one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established in South Africa in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1 Aptos (Body) Aptos (Body)998 – amended. It plays a crucial function in ensuring that the National Skills and Development Strategy is executed within the energy and water sectors.
The fundamental areas of focus of the EWSETA are energy, renewable energy, gas, and water services sector in terms of section 9(2) of the SDA, read in conjunction with Government Gazette No 33756, RG 9417, No. R1055 of 11 November 2010.
