Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe
By Phumeza Stungu
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has called for stronger ties between government, industry, and training institutions to turn skills development into real jobs for young people in the Northern Cape.
Speaking at a seminar held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the Northern Cape Rural TVET College in Upington, Dr Gondwe stressed the need to prepare the province’s youth for the growing renewable energy sector. The event, Strengthening the Human Capital Pipeline for South Africa’s Energy Future, was held together with the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Ms Samantha Graham-Maré.
Dr Gondwe told delegates that “South Africa’s energy transition is not only about megawatts, infrastructure, and investment. But at its core, it is a human transition,” she said.
She explained that the success of the country’s move to renewable energy will depend on equipping young people with the right skills, support, and connections to meaningful work. “Economic growth will not be achieved without the right skills. And skills will not have an impact unless they are aligned to opportunities,” the Deputy Minister added.
The seminar brought together students, lecturers, government officials, and industry partners. They discussed how TVET colleges can help close the gap between the skills taught in classrooms and the actual needs of the energy sector. With its sunny skies and strong winds, the Northern Cape is well-placed to benefit from solar and wind power projects, creating new job opportunities for local communities.
Dr Gondwe encouraged students to study engineering, technical trades, and green energy courses. She promised more government support to improve facilities and create training programmes that match industry demands. She also listened to students share their hopes and challenges.
College staff and local leaders welcomed the visit. They said better skills training will help bring jobs and growth to Upington and other towns in the province.
The Deputy Minister ended by urging young people in the Northern Cape to take full advantage of TVET opportunities. She said the future of the energy industry depends on skilled hands from right here in the province.
This seminar is seen as an important step towards building partnerships that will give Northern Cape youth a brighter future.
