Mar 06, 2026 Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), Louis van Huyssteen, Three apprentices, WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA), Sizwe Motaung, Setlhare Onthatile Motlomelo, Mesuli Nande Gxalaba, Motheo TVET College
Young Bloemfontein apprentices gear up for WorldSkills South Africa nationals in KZN
Three apprentices supported by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) will put their skills to the test this week as they compete at the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) National Competition taking place from 8 - 12 March at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.
Representing the Free State and Motheo TVET College are Sizwe Motaung (22), Setlhare Onthatile Motlomelo (21) and Mesuli Nande Gxalaba (21), all competing in the Autobody Repair category. The two top-performing competitors nationally will earn the opportunity to represent South Africa at the 2026 WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China.
Founded in 1950, WorldSkills International promotes vocational, technological and service-oriented education across more than 70 member countries. In South Africa, the initiative is championed by the Department of Higher Education and Training as part of government’s drive to strengthen artisan development and address critical skills shortages. This year over 200 students from TVET Colleges, universities of technology and other private training service providers will participate in 27 skill areas and winners will proceed to represent South Africa in the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China in September 2026. The competition will run alongside the WSZA conference, which this year carries the theme, “Building a skilled and competitive workforce of the future.”
Louis van Huyssteen, National Training Director at the RMI, says the competition provides an important benchmark for both industry and training institutions. “WorldSkills is far more than a competition. It is a platform to measure our apprentices against global standards and to demonstrate that technical careers are not a second choice, but a first choice. The automotive sector is facing an ongoing skills shortage, and initiatives like this play a vital role in attracting top young talent into the industry,” says Van Huyssteen.
He adds that the standards required at WorldSkills level often exceed normal industry expectations. “Competitors are tested on precision, accuracy, efficiency and strict safety compliance under intense time pressure. It is the ultimate test of competence and professionalism.”
Vuyane Ndamane, Autobody Repairs : Facilitator -- at Motheo TVET College says having three apprentices competing nationally positions the college as a serious contributor to artisan excellence. “It proves that our training meets competitive national standards under WorldSkills South Africa and that the Free State is producing industry-ready automotive talent,” says Ndamane.
Preparation for WorldSkills goes well beyond trade test level. Apprentices undergo intensive daily technical training, time-controlled simulations and performance coaching to meet global benchmarks. “WorldSkills standards equal, and often exceed, premium industry expectations. Competitors must demonstrate zero-defect workmanship, exceptional accuracy and the ability to perform under pressure,” Ndamane explains. He believes participation in WorldSkills plays a critical role in supporting South Africa’s artisan development agenda. “It elevates the status of artisans, strengthens industry-college partnerships and creates a high-performance culture within technical education.”
For Sizwe Motaung, originally from Qwaqwa in the Free State and currently working at B&H Panelbeaters, competing nationally is deeply personal. “Competing at WSZA means a lot in my career journey. It has given me confidence and shows others that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” he says. “To represent South Africa globally would be a huge experience and set an example for the dusty streets of Mandela Park.”
Setlhare Onthatile Motlomelo, who began his apprenticeship in 2025 and works at Technicolour Autobody Repair in Bloemfontein, says the preparation has required intense focus on both technical ability and mental resilience. “The competition enhances your practical skills and gives you exposure to different tools, equipment and global standards. It also opens doors to career advancement and reduces the stigma around artisan careers,” he says.
Mesuli Nande Gxalaba, originally from the Eastern Cape, and the other apprentice from Technicolour competing, describes the opportunity in simple terms. “It means life. My future depends on this. Winning would bring hope to those who don’t believe that skills can bring light into your life.”
All three apprentices are passionate about encouraging other young South Africans to consider technical qualifications. “With unemployment so high, you can’t go wrong by choosing a technical career,” says Motaung. “There will always be problems that need skilled technicians.”
Van Huyssteen agrees saying “Artisans are the backbone of our economy. If we are serious about economic growth, job creation and industrial development, we must invest in skills excellence. These young competitors are proof that South Africa has the talent - we simply need to nurture and showcase it.” As the competition unfolds in KwaZulu-Natal, the RMI, both employers and Motheo TVET College will be watching closely hopeful that two of their rising stars will soon be flying the South African flag on the global stage in China later this year.
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