South Africa is seeking to strengthen its post-school education and training (PSET) system, as government officials, academics, and global stakeholders gathered at the University of Pretoria.
The two-day International Cooperation Workshop for Post-School Education and Training took place from 23–24 April 2026 at the Sanlam Auditorium, bringing together local and international experts to explore ways to improve the country’s PSET sector.
Hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training, the workshop aimed to generate solutions to challenges facing the sector and to strengthen collaboration across institutions and countries.
Opening the workshop, the Deputy Minister for the Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, highlighted the motivation behind hosting the event and outlined the vision of the international relations programme.
“The Department views international relations as critical in addressing challenges through the sharing of ideas, learning experiences, and best practices from countries and organisational partners across the world.
“The PSET system is committed to genuine international collaboration and partnerships that enhance South Africa’s development agenda,” she said.
She added that institutions continue to establish partnerships with ministries of higher education globally, as well as with foreign institutions, development partners, industries, and multilateral organisations.
Chief Director of International Relations, Xolani Khumalo, outlined key issues affecting the PSET sector and shared preliminary diagnostic findings.
“Nineteen out of 26 universities and 32 out of 50 TVET colleges have submitted data on memorandums of understanding concluded with international partners,” he said.
Higher Education and Training Minister Mr Buti Manamela emphasised the urgency of addressing skills shortages, in line with the mandate from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“What the President has mandated is a skills revolution,” Minister Manamela said. “Our youth unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world.”
He noted a significant skills gap in key economic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and digital technology, emphasising that “these sectors are vital to our growth.”
The workshop focused on how international cooperation can support innovation in education, including digital learning, artificial intelligence, and flexible qualifications such as short courses.
Participants included representatives from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, government departments, and international organisations.
The workshop concluded on 24 April 2026, with stakeholders reaffirming the role of international collaboration in strengthening South Africa’s PSET system.
The discussions are expected to inform future policies and partnerships to address skills shortages and improve outcomes across the sector.
