SA: Necsa and EWSETA unite on nuclear energy skills drive

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU around building a future-ready, skilled workforce in South Africa’s energy landscape.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework through which Necsa and EWSETA will work together to deliver high-impact education, training, and skills development programmes. 

The organisations said in a joint statement their goal is to strengthen the country’s ability to produce the critical, scarce, and future-fit skills needed in the nuclear and water sectors—sectors that are integral to national development, energy security, industrial advancement, and environmental sustainability.

ESI Africa spoke to Sengiphile Simelane, Group Executive: Power and Energy at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA about the role of nuclear in the SA mix

Key areas of collaboration under the agreement include:

• Skills Planning and Forecasting: Joint efforts to map current and future skills needs in the nuclear sector to ensure training initiatives are aligned with emerging industry demands.
• Skills Delivery and Workforce Development: Coordinated development of programmes targeting nuclear-specific occupations, including reactor operations, radiation protection and nuclear engineering.
• Enterprise and Career Development: Promoting entrepreneurship, career awareness and pathways for young professionals through targeted youth development initiatives and support for small and emerging enterprises.
• Collaboration with Institutions of Higher Learning: Strengthening academic-industry linkages to drive research, innovation and curriculum development relevant to the nuclear and water sectors.

Unlocking economic potential through education and skills in nuclear energy

By aligning education and skills development with national priorities, this partnership is meant to enhance the country’s competitiveness, facilitate inclusive economic participation and equip a new generation of South Africans to lead in specialised, high-technology fields.

Speaking on the significance of this collaboration, Necsa Group Chief Executive Officer Loyiso Tyabashe said: “Collaborating with institutions such as EWSETA through our Necsa Learning Academy is essential to advancing South Africa’s national and socioeconomic development agenda. 

“This MoU enables us to better define and meet the evolving skills needs of the nuclear sector, ensuring our industry has the capacity to support strategic infrastructure and energy goals.”

Echoing this vision, EWSETA Chief Executive Officer Mpho Mookapele said their mandate is to contribute to an inclusive, skilled economy. 

“This partnership with Necsa allows us to design and deliver responsive training that empowers young people, supports the growth of the nuclear value chain, and ensures South Africa is ready for the technological future that lies ahead.”

Cover photo:  EWSETA Chief Executive Officer, Mpho Mookapele and Necsa Group Chief Executive Officer, Loyiso Tyabashe signing the MoU