Momentum is building in South Africa’s journey towards an electric future, with the first scoping and profiling meeting between local subject matter experts and key industry stakeholders taking place today, Wednesday 12 November, to shape the country’s first nationally recognised Electromobility Occupational Qualification.
Led by merSETA, appointed by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and developed in collaboration with the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and other industry bodies, the initiative marks a pivotal moment in preparing South Africa’s workforce for the growing shift to electric and hybrid vehicles.
While electric vehicle sales in South Africa are still at an early stage, the number of models available continues to rise rapidly across major brands – reflecting growing confidence in the country’s readiness for the transition. In 2024, ninety models across twenty brands, including Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Volvo, BYD, Chery and Great Wall Motors, were available to South African consumers. This year, other makes and models have been introduced, including Changan, Deepal and TATA, many offering 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.
“The merSETA has been appointed by the QCTO to lead this groundbreaking development, which will set the national standard for skills in servicing and maintaining electric vehicles,” says Naphtaly Mokgotsane, Acting CEO of merSETA.
“This is a vital step in ensuring that technicians are properly trained to manage high-voltage battery systems, diagnostics and safety protocols,” says Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director. “Without a recognised qualification, the risks associated with working on electric vehicles are significant. Formalising this programme will ensure safe, standardised and credible skills development across the sector.”
Brandon Cohen, National Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), agrees, noting that South Africa is poised to follow global trends as new energy vehicles become the industry norm. “This qualification is a major step forward. It not only ensures technicians are trained to meet international standards, but also opens the door for new specialist skills that will futureproof our industry and complement existing trade qualifications like motor mechanic and auto electrician.”
The new qualification, which represents a major milestone for South Africa’s automotive aftermarket, will benefit the entire automotive value chain – from OEMs and motor body repairers to independent workshops, TVET colleges and accredited training providers – by replacing fragmented, non-accredited training with a formal, industry-recognised standard.
The qualification aligns with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) EV White Paper and the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) vision to strengthen Centres of Specialisation at TVET colleges. “It’s encouraging to see industry, government and education working in unison to futureproof our skills base,” concludes Mkhululi Mlota, Chief Director for Automotives at the DTIC.