WHY INDUSTRY-LED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
By Andile Africa, CEO of the Automotive Industry Development Centre( AIDC)
June is observed nationally as Youth Month in South Africa, providing an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing youth development, while also considering the ongoing challenges that continue to shape the experiences of young people in the economy and in society. This context is underscored by South Africa’ s unemployment rate, which stood at 32.7 % in the first quarter of 2026.
Within the automotive and manufacturing sectors, the need to strengthen pathways between education, training, and meaningful work remains a key priority. Rapid technological advancement continues to reshape the skills required in industry, placing increased emphasis on practical, industry-aligned learning environments.
In response to this context, the Automotive Industry Development Centre( AIDC) has continued to invest in interventions aimed at strengthening skills development and improving access to work-integrated learning opportunities. A key element of this approach is the establishment of the AIDC’ s Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, which is scheduled to be officially launched in June. The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence builds on the successful Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre( GALC) concept, which has played an important role in developing industry-relevant skills within the automotive sector.
Building on the foundation established by GALC, the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence represents the next phase in industry-focused skills development. As manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, the Centre has been designed to respond to the changing skills requirements of the sector by incorporating more advanced manufacturing machinery, digital systems, and modern production technologies
Alongside the launch of the Centre, AIDC will convene the 2026 Youth Stakeholder Engagement. The timing of these initiatives during Youth Month serves as an important reminder that
youth development remains a national priority. While progress has been made in expanding access to education and training opportunities, significant work remains to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, experience, and support required to participate meaningfully in the economy.
Addressing these challenges will require sustained collaboration across sectors. No single institution can respond to the complexities of youth unemployment and skills development alone. Strong partnerships between government, industry, education institutions, and communities will be critical in creating pathways that connect learning with opportunity.
As South Africa reflects on the significance of Youth Month, it is also an opportunity to look ahead. The future competitiveness of the country ' s economy will depend largely on its ability to invest in its young people today, not only by developing technical skills, but by creating environments where innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning can thrive.
By working together to strengthen these foundations, South Africa can unlock the potential of its youth and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
JUNE 2026 7 WORDS IN ACTION