August marks TVET Month, an important opportunity to spotlight the pivotal role Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays in shaping South Africa’s skilled workforce. The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) proudly joins this national campaign, reinforcing its commitment to transforming the automotive aftermarket sector through strategic partnerships, aligned training pathways, and industry-focused skills development.
Commenting on the month’s significance, Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI, says, “The alignment between education, industry and government is more important than ever. The skills shortage in the automotive aftermarket is not only a challenge – it’s a call to action. TVET Month is a timely reminder that real economic empowerment comes through relevant, work-based learning opportunities that lead to sustainable employment.”
The recent launch of Project Dineo, a national initiative aimed at closing the artisan skills gap, has further reinforced this commitment. Speaking at the event, Sabelo Buthelezi, Chief Director: Special Projects Unit at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), reminded attendees that “every artisan trained is a life empowered. Every employer who opens their door is a partner in building a better South Africa.”
“Our theme, Driving Artisan Development for Economic Inclusion, speaks directly to this moment,” said Buthelezi. “We must see each artisan not only as a worker, but as a nation builder and often, a future business owner. No government department, employer or college can do this alone. We must work in deep partnership.”
He acknowledged the RMI’s critical role in the Centres of Specialisation (CoS) programme, particularly in the motor and diesel mechanic trades. “The groundwork laid by the RMI between 2017 and 2022 ensured that we were not only piloting a programme – we were building a model that works.”
Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director, adds that the RMI’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, including TVET colleges, QCTO, merSETA, and employers, is helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. “As an organisation, we are actively involved in initiatives like the MIWA Motor Mech competition, short skills programmes, Future Dealership Manager training, and artisan recognition. These are aligned to occupational qualifications and are focused on producing quality outcomes that meet industry standards,” he says.
The RMI also supports the implementation of the QCTO apprenticeship model, which includes TVET colleges as skills development providers, employers as hosts for workplace learning, and the award of a nationally recognised occupational certificate. “This ensures consistency, quality, and real job-readiness,” says van Huyssteen.
Echoing these sentiments, Naphtaly Mokgotsane, acting CEO of merSETA, reiterated the importance of work-based learning. “The value of hands-on experience cannot be overstated. Apprenticeships are not just training pathways – they are a bridge to employment and economic participation. We call on all stakeholders to innovate, collaborate, and ensure learners emerge as the skilled professionals our economy so desperately needs.”
Buthelezi further outlined two flexible models of apprenticeship implementation to increase employer participation – one where TVET colleges act as lead employers and another where private employers take the lead, supported by merSETA funding. “These models are designed to remove barriers and encourage businesses, especially SMMEs, to actively participate,” he said.
Mabusela confirmed that RMI’s contribution to TVET Month includes:
• Supporting access to workplace-based learning: Through its national member network, the RMI facilitates learner placement and encourages employers to host apprentices, especially in areas of critical shortage like auto electricians, spray painters, motor mechanics, and vehicle body repairers.
• Changing perceptions: The RMI actively promotes the value of TVET qualifications as equal to, and in many cases, more relevant thantraditional university degrees, particularly in technical trades where demand is high.
• Women in trades: As part of its transformation drive, the RMI continues to support and celebrate the achievements of women in engineering and technology, with programmes like Women Driving Change and the recent graduation of women from the Future Dealership Manager Programme.
• Policy and curriculum alignment: The RMI plays a strong advocacy role in aligning training delivery with QCTO standards and supporting the institutionalisation of Centres of Specialisation across key trades in the automotive aftermarket.
Mabusela concludes, “We cannot do this alone. We call on all industry partners to open their doors to learners, support structured learning, and work with us to build a talent pipeline that ensures a future-fit workforce.”
The RMI remains committed to being a catalyst for change – fostering a culture of learning and ensuring that every young person with a passion for the automotive industry has a pathway to success.