KwaZulu-Natal today celebrated a major milestone in youth empowerment and industrial skills development as the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), together with Mwanga Afrika Cables, honoured 47 young graduates of the pioneering 18-month Learnership Programme in Power and Telecommunication Cable Manufacturing.

This first-of-its-kind initiative equipped participants from across the province with critical technical skills, hands-on manufacturing experience, workplace readiness and personal development support. With an exceptional 94% retention rate and a projected 90–95% certification success, all 47 learners completed their assessments and awarded NQF Level 4 Certificates - positioning them for immediate entry into high-demand industrial sectors.

Speaking at the ceremony, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, said the achievement is far more than a graduation. “It is a powerful demonstration of what targeted skills development, meaningful partnerships, and dedicated young people can achieve,” he noted. The MEC emphasised that these graduates are entering sectors central to national priorities such as energy security, telecommunications expansion, digital connectivity and advanced manufacturing.

The programme’s success showcases the impact of strong public-private collaboration, with merSETA, South Ocean Electrical Wire Company (SOEW), workplace mentors and supervisors playing a vital role. It also forms part of Mwanga Afrika Cables’ long-term vision, which includes a R1-billion state-of-the-art manufacturing facility planned for the Dube TradePort Industrial Economic Zone in 2028 - expected to create over 900 direct and indirect jobs.

For many graduates who come from disadvantaged communities, this qualification opens doors to careers in cable production, quality assurance, telecommunications networks, energy infrastructure manufacturing and beyond. It also provides pathways for further studies in engineering, production technology and quality management.

MEC Zondi encouraged the graduates to embrace their future with confidence. “Your journey begins today. You carry the hopes of your families, your communities, and this province. Go out and shape the future of KwaZulu-Natal and our country.” The celebration marks a significant step in building a future-ready workforce that will drive KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial growth, innovation, and economic competitiveness.