Department of Infrastructure and Africa Skills Village to strengthen artisan training and infrastructure delivery
Media Release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers
On 1 October 2026, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and accredited training skills service provider Africa Skills Village signed a memorandum of collaboration to strengthen artisan development, technical skills and infrastructure delivery capability in the Western Cape. The agreement runs for an initial period of five years with a particular focus on rural districts and small towns where access to accredited training is limited.
The collaboration responds to the shortage of qualified artisans and technically skilled personnel needed to deliver, maintain and operate public infrastructure. It also allows for training in urban and metropolitan areas of the province.
The partnership will support the Western Cape Infrastructure Framework 2050, Infrastructure Strategy 2050 and Infrastructure Implementation Plan 2050, alongside the Provincial Strategic Plan and the human capability objectives of the National Development Plan 2030.
Initial focus areas include:
Extending artisan and occupational training into rural districts, small towns and peri-urban areas, helping young people train, qualify and pursue work within their own communities.
Facilitating structured workplace exposure, work-integrated learning and internships with the DOI, municipalities and infrastructure sites, subject to agreement with each participating host.
Developing courses, curricula, micro-credentials and skills programmes, and exploring recognised qualification pathways for experienced personnel whose career progression is constrained by formal qualification requirements.
Sharing insights on skills demand and supply, artisan absorption, employability and the socio-economic impact of decentralised training.
The collaboration also aims to connect learning with practical experience in the maintenance, delivery and operation of public infrastructure, while helping retain technical skills within rural economies.
“This collaboration provides an opportunity to strengthen the skills and institutional capability needed to translate our long-term infrastructure priorities into practical delivery”, said Adv. Chantal Smith, Head of the Department of Infrastructure. “By connecting accredited training, workplace experience and lifelong learning, we aim to support our officials, develop technical capability and expand access to opportunities across the Western Cape. We look forward to working with Africa Skills Village to develop initiatives that respond to the needs of the infrastructure sector and our communities”, she added.
“Infrastructure must create opportunity, connect communities, and support inclusive economic growth. But infrastructure does not build itself – we need skilled people who can build, maintain and operate the infrastructure our province needs”, said Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers. “This collaboration gives us an opportunity to bring accredited training closer to communities, particularly in rural areas, explore productive uses for underutilised provincial properties, and create stronger pathways between training, practical experience, and participation in the economy. Ultimately, we want our infrastructure investment to build not only roads, houses, and public facilities, but skills, livelihoods, and stronger local economies,” said the Minister.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure to expand access to artisan and occupational training. By combining our accredited training expertise, learning technologies and learner support with the Department’s understanding of infrastructure and skills needs, we aim to develop practical pathways from learning to qualification and workplace experience, particularly in communities where training opportunities are limited”, said Elsie Harmse, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Skills Village.
Media enquiries
Stephen Heyns
Acting Head of Communication
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure
Email: stephen.heyns@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 0597