Young Bloemfontein Apprentices Aim for Gold at National WorldSkills Competition

Three young artisans from Bloemfontein are preparing to showcase their technical talent on a national stage as they compete in the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition in KwaZulu-Natal from 8 to 12 March. Supported by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, the apprentices will take part in the Autobody Repair category, hoping to earn a place at the 2026 WorldSkills International event in Shanghai.

Representing the Free State and Motheo TVET College, Sizwe Motaung, Setlhare Onthatile Motlomelo and Mesuli Nande Gxalaba will face demanding tasks designed to mirror international standards of excellence. Only the top two performers in the country will secure the honour of representing South Africa abroad.

WorldSkills International, established in 1950, aims to raise the profile of vocational and technical careers across more than 70 countries. In South Africa, the initiative forms part of a national strategy by the Department of Higher Education and Training to strengthen artisan development and address skills shortages. This year over 200 participants from TVET colleges, universities of technology and private training institutions will contest 27 different skill areas.

Alongside the competition, the WSZA conference will take place under the theme Building a skilled and competitive workforce of the future.

Louis van Huyssteen, National Training Director at the RMI, describes WorldSkills as a vital benchmark for both educators and industry. He believes the competition demonstrates that technical careers should be viewed as a first choice. According to Van Huyssteen, contestants must perform with high levels of precision, accuracy and safety while working under significant time pressure.

Motheo TVET College facilitator Vuyane Ndamane says having three apprentices selected for the nationals highlights the college’s commitment to producing job ready automotive talent. He explains that preparation for WorldSkills requires intense technical training, simulated assessments and coaching aimed at meeting global standards.

For Motaung, originally from Qwaqwa and currently working at B and H Panelbeaters, the opportunity carries deep personal meaning. He says competing has strengthened his confidence and he hopes to inspire others in his community. Motlomelo and Gxalaba, both from Technicolour Autobody Repair, see the competition as a pathway to new opportunities and a chance to demonstrate the value of skilled work.

All three apprentices hope their journey will encourage other young South Africans to pursue technical careers, particularly at a time when unemployment remains high.

As the event unfolds in KwaZulu-Natal, the RMI, local employers and Motheo TVET College will be watching with pride, hopeful that two of their rising stars will carry the South African flag to the global stage in Shanghai.