Mpumalanga TVET Colleges achieve top honours at WorldSkills South Africa national competition | Ridge Times

The WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference, and Career Festival 2026 took place at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre in Durban from March 8 to 12.

The Department of Higher Education and Training hosted the event, with over 213 talented students from across the country competing in 27 skill areas, showcasing technical expertise and vocational excellence at the highest national level.

The winners will advance to represent South Africa at the international competition in Shanghai in September.
Mpumalanga’s TVET colleges produced excellent results at the national competition.

As one united team representing Mpumalanga, the colleges have demonstrated that technical and vocational excellence is alive and thriving in the province.

Gert Sibande TVET College medalists are:
• Gold medals: Oreholele Marumo for refrigeration and air conditioning, and Thato Nhlapo for cabinet making.

• Silver medals: Khanyisa Madlolo for refrigeration and air conditioning, Asandamahlubi Hadebe for bricklaying, Lethukuthula Nhlapo for carpentry, and Nhlakanipho Makhanya for electrical installations.

• Bronze medals: Boitumelo Nonyane for plumbing and heating, Samkelo Gamede for bricklaying, Simphiwe Dlamini for mechatronics, Sinethemba Peterson for mechatronics, Thokozane Mtsweni for cabinet making, and Akwandemacusi Sibeko for electrical installations.

Ehlanzeni TVET College’s medalists are:
•Bronze medals: Thapelo Mngwenya for mobile robotics and Tswarelo Mbiza for mobile robotics.

Nkangala TVET College was acknowledged as a valued part of the Mpumalanga team whose presence and participation contributed to the province’s strong showing at the 2026 WorldSkills National Competition.