Mpumalanga launches South Africa’s first Just Energy Transition Skills Development Zone

The Mpumalanga province has officially launched the Mpumalanga Skills Development Zone (SDZ), marking the first of three planned zones under South Africa’s national Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Portfolio. The launch, held on October 29, 2026, was led by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

Anchored in the Nkangala District, with initial phases involving the Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete local municipalities, the zone is designed to align education and training with local industrial needs. Nkangala TVET College will serve as the anchor educational institution. The initiative aims to coordinate investments and training to prepare the workforce for a shift from coal-based industries toward renewable energy, energy storage, advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen.

Minister Manamela clarified that the SDZ is a place-based mechanism rather than a new government department or college. The goal is to ensure that the transition to a diversified economy provides clear pathways through apprenticeships and internships, focusing on reskilling workers in areas such as mechatronics and agricultural innovation to ensure shared prosperity.