Young technical stars shine at national skills awards
Learners from across South Africa were recognised for their practical talent at the 2026 National Skills Competition Awards at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre.
South Africa’s emerging technical talent took centre stage at the 2026 National Skills Competition awards at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, on October 3.
The awards ceremony brought together learners, teachers, government and education representatives, industry leaders and partners to celebrate the achievements of finalists who competed in the national competition.
The event was hosted by the Sasol Foundation in partnership with Kagiso Trust, the Department of Basic Education and industry stakeholders.
A total of 151 learners and 77 teachers from all nine provinces reached the national final after more than 17 000 learners took part in qualifying rounds across the country.
Putting skills to the test
Over two days, Grade 10 and 11 learners and teachers competed in 11 practical disciplines, testing their technical knowledge, creativity, precision, problem-solving and ability to apply their skills in practical situations.
The categories included automotive technology, construction, welding and metalwork, plumbing, woodworking, electrical power systems, electronics, fitting and machining, computer-aided design, digital systems, and engineering graphics and design.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said technical careers should not be viewed as less valuable than academic professions.
“A country needs doctors and engineers. But it also needs artisans, technicians, electricians, welders, fitters, machinists, mechanics, plumbers, builders and skilled operators,” she said.
The competition aims to expose young people to technical and vocational career pathways while giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in practical settings.
Rewards for achievement
Category winners received cash vouchers, tools of the trade and online courses.
Construction category winner Simthandile Mkwanazi received an additional opportunity, winning a R250 000 apprenticeship from Resolution Circle.
Kagiso Trust CEO Dr Mankodi Moitse said the competition gives young people an opportunity to discover their strengths and apply what they have learned.
Sasol Executive Vice President: People, SHE Risk and Corporate Affairs, Thabile Makgala said the awards celebrated not only technical ability, but also the confidence and determination demonstrated by the young competitors.
The organisers also recognised the teachers, mentors and industry partners who supported the learners throughout the competition.
The National Skills Competition began in 2018 and became a fully national initiative in 2024.
It now brings together learners, educators, government and industry with the aim of strengthening South Africa’s technical skills pipeline.
For this year’s finalists, the national awards marked the culmination of a journey that began with qualifying rounds and ended with their technical abilities being tested on a national stage.
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