New Aviation Academy Opens Doors for Youth in Underserved Communities

Dube-Ncube said South Africa's future development will depend heavily on the innovation, technical expertise and creativity of its younger generation.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing skills development opportunities closer to communities that have historically been excluded from economic growth, with a strong focus on rural and disadvantaged areas.

Speaking at the launch of the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA)-Elangeni Aircraft Maintenance Academy at Elangeni TVET College's Inanda Campus, north of Durban, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the Post-School Education and Training sector remains focused on ensuring that skills programmes reach young people regardless of where they live.

She stressed that access to employment opportunities should not be determined by a person's gender, social background or geographic location. According to the Deputy Minister, government wants to see meaningful skills transfer and development taking place in communities that are often left out of major economic and industrial initiatives.

First Public-Sector Aircraft Maintenance Academy Launched

The new academy has been established through a partnership between Elangeni TVET College, WorldSkills South Africa and Starlite Aviation. It is the first institution within South Africa's public education sector dedicated to specialised aircraft maintenance training.

The initiative is expected to help address skills shortages in the aviation industry while creating new career pathways for young people from underserved communities. Students will gain access to technical training in a field that has traditionally been difficult to enter for many learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Dube-Ncube described the academy as a practical example of how education and training can create real opportunities for employment and economic participation. She said skills development should lead directly to meaningful career prospects and contribute to broader social and economic transformation.

The Deputy Minister noted that reducing youth unemployment remains one of government's most pressing priorities. Expanding access to technical and vocational training is seen as a critical component of that effort.

Academy Expected to Inspire Future Engineers and Technicians

Dube-Ncube said the academy sends a powerful message that young people from communities such as Inanda can pursue careers as artisans, technicians and aviation professionals.

She expressed hope that the project will inspire learners across the country, including those in remote parts of Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga, to consider careers in engineering, aviation and other technical fields.

The Deputy Minister also encouraged greater participation by young women in technical industries, saying opportunities in sectors such as aviation should be open to everyone.

"The sky is not the limit," she said, urging young South Africans to break barriers and pursue careers in industries that have traditionally been dominated by a small segment of society.

The launch comes during Youth Month, a period dedicated to reflecting on the contribution of young people to South Africa's history while addressing the challenges facing today's youth.

Dube-Ncube said South Africa's future development will depend heavily on the innovation, technical expertise and creativity of its younger generation. She emphasized that empowering young people with relevant skills is essential for economic growth, industrial development and improving access to employment opportunities.

The academy is expected to play an important role in developing a new generation of skilled aviation professionals while supporting broader efforts to build an inclusive and future-ready workforce.