South Africa’s mining industry is digging deep to secure its future, not only underground, but also in classrooms, training centres, and boardrooms across the country.

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One of the country’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas), the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), marked 30 years of advancing skills development, transformation, and safety in the mining and minerals sector at its 2026 Mining Skills Lekgotla. Held on February 26 and 27 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, the two-day lekgotla brought together government leaders, industry captains, labour representatives, training providers, and community stakeholders, among others, to reflect on three decades of progress, and to map out a bold strategy for 2025–2030.

Operating under the department of higher education and training (DHET), MQA plays a critical role in bridging the gap between skills demand and supply in one of the country’s foundational economic sectors. It also supports health and safety initiatives, in collaboration with the department of mineral resources and energy (DMRE).

The programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, a career exhibition, and the Mining and Minerals Sector Recognition Awards, highlighting the importance of structured training, learnerships, and apprenticeships in tackling unemployment and driving economic growth.

Opening the lekgotla, newly appointed MQA chairperson Dr Nomusa Zethu Qunta reflected on the authority’s 30-year journey, revisited recommendations from the 2023 Lekgotla, celebrated achievements between 2020 and 2025, and outlined strategic priorities for the next five years. “There are changes in the broader economy, changes in technology, and a change in the world of work, as well as within the skills development landscape. The mining and minerals sector continues to evolve. As the MQA, our responsibility is to ensure that skills development keeps pace with these evolutions.” She committed to strengthening partnerships with employers, labour organisations, training providers, and communities to ensure programmes deliver measurable impact.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Department of Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela delivers the keynote address, emphasising governance, accountability, and measurable impact in skills development and MQA chairperson Dr Nomusa Zethu Qunta welcomes guests and reflects on the authority’s 30-year journey at the 2026 Mining Skills Lekgotla at Gallagher Convention Centre. Video: Comfort Makhanya. Video: Comfort Makhanya #Midrand #MQA ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Among the speakers on day one was DHET minister Buti Manamela, University of Johannesburg chancellor Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Council for Geoscience CEO Mosa Mabuza, and Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, among others.

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In his keynote address, Manamela praised the MQA’s governance structures and emphasised accountability as the cornerstone of impact. “This is not just an optional extra. It is the foundation upon which credibility and impact are built.”

Addressing the incoming board, Manamela stressed that the task ahead was not simply to maintain stability, but to drive strategic repositioning. “This lekgotla should not end with good conversations alone. It must produce clear commitments, stronger partnerships, and practical actions that can be measured and evaluated.” He further highlighted that skills development was not a favour, but an investment in the country’s future.

As the mining sector navigates technological shifts, energy transitions, and economic pressures, the take from the lekgotla was that future-proofing the industry depends on equipping workers and communities with relevant, forward-looking skills.
Grab a copy of Midrand Reporter to read more on the 2026 Mining Skills Lekgotla.

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