South Africa’s automotive industry is taking a significant leap forward with the formal development of the Electromobility Occupational Skills Programme – a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip technicians with the specialised skills required to safely service and maintain electric and hybrid vehicles.
The qualification process development will be led by merSETA, appointed by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), in collaboration with the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and other industry stakeholders. It marks a major step in formalising EV skills development and aligning South Africa’s skills development framework with the country’s growing transition to electromobility.
The process began in May 2025 and gained traction by October with the appointment of a Service Provider. “The merSETA has been appointed by the QCTO to proceed with, and be instrumental in, this long-overdue groundbreaking development,” says Naphtaly Mokgotsane, Acting CEO of merSETA.
South Africa has a strong legislative foundation for skills development, but implementation and practical expertise often fall short. “This is where the real challenge lies,” says Louis van Huyssteen, RMI’s National Training Director.
The qualification development follows a structured process: scoping, appointment of a Development Quality Partner, facilitator procurement, curriculum development by expert practitioners leading to registration, and implementation.
“As South Africa explores EV adoption as part of its broader Just Energy Transition (JET), technicians must be trained to manage battery systems, diagnostics and safety protocols. The risk of working on EVs without a recognised qualification is grave,” warns Van Huyssteen.
By 2024, ninety models across twenty brands, including Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Volvo, BYD, Chery, Great Wall Motors were available to South African consumers. By 2025 other makes and models have been introduced including Changan, Deepal and TATA. Many of these offer either a fully electric or hybrid option. These brands are expanding rapidly, signalling confidence in South Africa’s potential as a hub for electric mobility. Although EV sales remain modest, demand is expected to rise, especially following President Ramaphosa’s repeated emphasis on EVs in his State of the Nation Addresses.
“This is great news as it speaks to the implementation of the EV White Paper. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) is proud of the RMI for driving the development of a formally recognised South African electromobility qualification,” says Mkhululi Mlota, Chief Director for Automotives at the DTIC.
“The Centres of Specialisation at TVET colleges, especially those focused on trades like motor and diesel mechanics, are well positioned to integrate this qualification. It will enhance employability and meet the needs of a growing market,” says Sabelo Buthelezi, Chief Director of Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Special Projects Unit.
This qualification will benefit the entire automotive ecosystem including OEMs, motor body repair shops, independent workshops, public TVET colleges and Accredited Training Providers. It will replace costly, non-recognised training with a formal, accredited programme that carries national currency and credibility.
It is expected merSETA will make a formal announcement shortly to call on interested parties in the qualification development process.
“The automotive industry in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation towards electromobility. The need for skilled professionals in EV technology will become greater,” says Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI.
“Our Training Director, Louis van Huyssteen, and Training Manager, Boitumelo Mphanya, have kept the need for development firmly on the radar for over six years,” adds Mabusela. “We will progress from two knowledge modules in the Transportation Electrician qualification to a full occupational skills programme that meets QCTO standards.”
The formalisation of this qualification represents a major milestone for South Africa’s automotive aftermarket. “As the country accelerates towards a sustainable, technology-driven mobility future, it is essential that the industry equips its workforce with the right skills. This ensures that staff are not only prepared to drive the transition responsibly but also hold a reputable and credible qualification,” concludes Mabusela.
