Partnership in skills development is not optional - it is essential. This was the clear message from the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) following its participation at the 5th HRDC-SA Summit 2026, held on 16 and 17 April.
The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC-SA), chaired by the Deputy President and administered by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, serves as a national advisory body on human resource development. Its mandate is centred on unlocking the full potential of South Africans through a coordinated skills development agenda aligned to economic growth and transformation.
The RMI, together with key partners, welcomed high-level engagement at its exhibition stands, including a visit from Deputy President Paul Mashatile and the Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela. Both leaders, along with their respective delegations, took time to engage directly with industry representatives and gain insight into the collaborative efforts shaping skills development in the automotive sector.
The RMI also extended its appreciation to Naphtaly Mokgotsane, Acting CEO at MerSETA, for his visit and continued leadership in championing partnerships that strengthen South Africa’s skills ecosystem.
Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director, emphasised that meaningful collaboration across stakeholders is critical to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled artisans.
“Skills development in our sector cannot happen in isolation. It requires strong, aligned partnerships between industry, training institutions, and quality assurance bodies. Each plays a vital role, and without this collaboration, the system simply cannot function effectively,” he said.
RMI staff were joined at the summit by industry partners, including representatives from merSETA, the College of Cape Town, and technical specialists who demonstrated how each stakeholder contributes to a more responsive and future-fit training ecosystem.
Central to these discussions was the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, which depend on close collaboration with RMI-accredited employers to ensure apprentices receive meaningful workplace exposure. At the same time, both employers and colleges rely on advanced diagnostic tools and platforms to support modern training requirements.
A significant component of the Occupational Certificate: Automotive Motor Mechanic curriculum focuses on vehicle diagnostics. As a result, access to trusted industry tools such as HaynesPro is essential in equipping learners with the skills required to work on increasingly complex, technology-driven vehicles.
Van Huyssteen noted that the role of merSETA remains pivotal in this ecosystem, working closely with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB), and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to strengthen occupational training, workplace-based learning, and credible assessment pathways.
The summit also highlighted exciting innovation within the sector, including the development of virtual reality (VR) training solutions. Through collaborative efforts involving merSETA and industry partners, VR labs are being established to give young people immersive, hands-on exposure to future training environments.
“These innovations are not just enhancing how we train - they are helping to attract and prepare a new generation of artisans for a rapidly evolving automotive landscape,” concludes van Huyssteen.