Parliament, Tuesday, 29 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has congratulated Team South Africa after Matthew Bowen won a silver medal in Aircraft Maintenance at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China.
Held from 22 to 27 September 2026, the competition brought together young people, industry stakeholders, academia and government leaders to promote excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Team South Africa, represented by 29 young people, competed in 27 skills categories, including Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration, Construction and Water Technology.
Mr Letsie said the achievement will go a long way in changing perceptions about TVET colleges and encourage more young people to pursue careers as artisans, supporting the country’s infrastructure revitalisation and broader economic development. “We are encouraged by Team South Africa’s historic achievement,” the Chairperson said. “This achievement on the global stage shows that we have some of the world’s best artisans, and we should be proud of these young people. They have demonstrated that hard work and discipline lead to excellence.”
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, led the South African delegation. The delegation included the Department of Higher Education and Training Director-General, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi and the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Skills Fund (NSF), Ms Melissa Erra.
Mr Letsie said winning a silver medal in the Aircraft Maintenance category was a significant achievement because technicians were tested under time pressure on critical safety tasks, including fault-finding, repairs, documentation and compliance with international aviation standards.
“This achievement demonstrates that our technicians rank among the world’s best and deserve to be celebrated. The TVET sector should take pride in this achievement and claim its rightful place as a producer of the skilled people who keep our industries running,” said Mr Letsie.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING, MR TEBOGO LETSIE.
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