South Africa’s technical talent took centre stage at the 2026 National Skills Final Competition Awards Ceremony in Johannesburg recently.

In the Engineering Graphic Design teachers’ category, Scottburgh High School‘s Melissa Govender was the runner-up.

She competed in two challenging mechanical design tasks, with just five-and-a-half hours to complete both.

The school is proud of Govender and commends her talent, dedication and skills.

The competition brought together learners, teachers, government, education institutions and industry around a shared objective: to raise the profile of technical skills and help build a stronger pipeline of young South Africans equipped for the future.

The Sasol Foundation, in partnership with Kagiso Trust, the Department of Basic Education, government and industry stakeholders, celebrated the finalists at an evening attended by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and other delegates.

The national final brought together 151 learners and 77 teachers from all provinces, celebrating their achievements after more than 17 000 learners participated in qualifying rounds across the country.

Gwarube said that while a country needs doctors and engineers, it also needs artisans, technicians, electricians, welders, fitters, machinists, mechanics, plumbers, builders and skilled operators.

“These skills are not second-tier careers. They are essential careers.”

Category winners were awarded cash vouchers, tools of the trade and online courses. One lucky winner, Simthandile Mkwanazi in the Construction category, was awarded a R250 000 apprenticeship from Resolution Circle.

The National Skills Competition is designed to demonstrate that technical and vocational education is not a fallback option, but a pathway into meaningful and rewarding careers.

The awards ceremony recognised the achievements of the teachers and learners who reached the national final, with winners announced across the competition’s categories.

The competition also recognised the contribution of educators, mentors, industry partners and sponsors who supported the finalists throughout the process.

“Behind every successful learner is an educator who invested time, energy and belief,” said Thabile Makgala, Executive Vice President: People, SHE Risk and Corporate Affairs at Sasol.

“Their contribution extends far beyond the classroom. They are helping to shape the next generation of skilled South Africans.”

The National Skills Competition began in 2018 as a partnership between the Sasol Foundation and the Free State Department of Education. Kagiso Trust joined in 2022, introducing the teacher component, with the competition expanding to five provinces in 2023 and becoming fully national in 2024.

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