By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The community of QwaQwa celebrated the launch of a state-of-the-art Smart Skills Centre in Tshiya on Thursday, 28 August 2025. The centre, established in partnership with the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), is aimed at bridging the digital divide between urban and rural learners, while equipping young people and communities with future-ready skills.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, described the Smart Skills Centre as part of a broader national effort to modernize and expand South Africa’s post-school education and training system.
“The skills centre is a system that provides opportunities, not only for young people, but also for all South Africans seeking reskilling, and for communities striving for growth. It is a bridge between schools, TVET colleges, CET colleges, universities and the workplace. The link may not be physical, but it is there,” said Manamela.
He highlighted how the centre is already making a difference through additional weekend classes in mathematics and science, which prepare learners for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). During his tour, the minister interacted with learners in a simulated classroom where differential calculus was being taught across multiple schools in the district.
Free State MEC for Education, Dr Julia Maboya, said the centre embodies innovation, digital empowerment and inclusive growth, while fulfilling the historic mission of uplifting communities.
“Here, learners will access cutting-edge virtual reality training for welding and automotive mechanics, with expansion into other market-relevant fields. This is an embodiment of our dedication to equip learners with tangible, future-ready skills,” Maboya said.
She further emphasized that the initiative aligns with the province’s broader strategy to revolutionize digital skills development, extend apprenticeship opportunities to rural communities, support small businesses and ensure learners gain multiple industry-recognized certifications alongside their National Senior Certificate.
“It has always been my belief that the biggest challenge we face is not necessarily unemployment, but unemployable people,” Maboya added.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she reminded the audience: “Education is the great engine of personal development… It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay confirmed that the Tshiya Smart Skills Centre is the ninth and final centre to be launched across the country. “This centre will offer digital skills to learners in this rural community, bridging the digital gap between urban and rural kids,” said Pillay.
The launch marks a significant milestone in ensuring that young people in rural areas such as QwaQwa gain access to the same quality of digital education and training opportunities available in urban centres. By providing virtual reality learning, technical training and short skills programmes, the Smart Skills Centre is expected to boost both employability and entrepreneurship in the region.
