By Cynthia Modiba
The atmosphere was filled with pride and accomplishment as Godisang Development NPC celebrated the graduation of learners from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Artisan Development Programme. This achievement represents a meaningful contribution to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) national artisan development target, which aims to produce at least 30 000 qualified artisans per year by 2030 to support South Africa’s economic growth and infrastructure development. Through the NSF’s strategic investment, the programme not only equips learners with scarce and critical skills but also strengthens the national skills pipeline, demonstrating the vital role of targeted funding in advancing government priorities and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Funded by the NSF with the amount of R22 424 175, the three-year programme launched in June 2022 and concluded in August 2025, aiming to address South Africa’s critical shortage of qualified artisans. The project targeted 100 unemployed youth from the City of Tshwane, empowering them with accredited, high-quality training across four essential trades: electrical, plumbing, welding, and bricklaying.
The programme offered far more than classroom learning. Trainees progressed through a carefully structured combination of theoretical instruction, hands-on practical training, workplace-based learning, and formal trade testing. This comprehensive approach ensured that learners did not only acquire technical competence, but also developed the confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities essential for success in today’s competitive labour market.
By the end of the programme, 83 learners had successfully completed their training and were declared competent in their respective trades. This milestone reflects the commitment and discipline of the learners, the dedication of the project implementation team, and the strong partnership between the NSF and Godisang Development NPC.
Graduate Miehleko Reason Mashaba, who completed her apprenticeship in the electrical trade, shared her inspiring experience during the ceremony. Her journey, she said, was incredibly enriching, exposing her to critical components of the electrical field, including panel building, panel wiring, cable testing, installations, and cable tracing.
“I am confident that the knowledge and skills I have gained during my apprenticeship will serve as a solid foundation for my future career in electrical engineering,” she added capturing the sentiment of many graduates whose lives have been transformed through the programme.
The success of the NSF Artisan Development Programme stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, training providers, and young people work together toward a common goal. With 83 newly qualified artisans now ready to enter the workforce, the programme contributes not only to individual empowerment but also to broader national growth and economic development.
As South Africa continues to face skills shortages in the artisanal sector, initiatives like this remain vital in nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals one graduate at a time.
