The opening of the Dan Nkosi Skills Development Centre in Paulpietersburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday, October 16, 2026, has been hailed as a significant investment in rural communities, with government leaders urging young people to use the facility to acquire practical skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
The centre, constructed through an investment of approximately R14.6 million by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA), in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, the provincial government and the municipality, was officially opened following a process that spanned nearly two decades.
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said the project had taken about 20 years to reach completion, with the initial request made in 2009, a commitment secured in 2012 and construction completed in 2024.
“This is a huge investment. Services SETA invested about R14.6 million, together with the provincial government and municipality,” Manamela said.
He emphasised that the facility belonged to the community and should be used to expand access to skills training for young people and adults who want to learn new skills.
“As much as Services SETA hands over this investment, we hand it over to the community. This is not a Services SETA project, Mthashana; it's a project for the community and schoolchildren,” he said.
Manamela encouraged young people to enrol for training in trades such as plumbing, electrical work and welding, adding that communities had a responsibility to protect the infrastructure.
Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi said the centre represented an opportunity to address the socio-economic challenges confronting eDumbe, while giving young people the skills to support themselves and their families.
“We are grateful for the work done by the government for the people of eDumbe. This gathering is important because it reflects things that matter the most to people, the skills that can feed a family,” Buthelezi said.
He recalled the area's historical challenges, including the impact of HIV/Aids, and said the centre could help restore hope among young people.
“This centre is going to restore hope to our young people and tell them that they do have talent, and the government doesn't hesitate to invest in their talent,” he said.
Buthelezi also urged traditional leaders and councillors to recognise the centre's long-term value, pointing to opportunities such as cellphone repairs as examples of the practical training available.
Speaking on behalf of Services SETA Chief Executive Lehlogonolo Masoga, Dr Bongani Ndamase said the centre was a timely intervention for rural communities battling unemployment.
He said the investment had enabled construction from the ground up and stressed that government, community leaders and other social partners shared responsibility for keeping the facility operational.
“We have already trained about 30 learners in community house building for 12 months. And we've also trained another 30 learners in cellphone repairs. There are a further 20 who are being trained in entrepreneurship. The programme ends on October 30,” Ndamase said.
Manamela said the government was continuing to invest in education infrastructure, including TVET colleges, universities and community colleges.
He pointed to a new campus and engineering centre being developed in Vryheid as part of these efforts.
He also reminded prospective students that applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) would close on October 31.
The opening of the Dan Nkosi centre marks an important step in expanding access to vocational training in a rural area, but its long-term success will depend on whether young people can access quality training and translate their new skills into employment and economic opportunities.