The National Association for Schools of Technology (NAST) successfully hosted its 2026 National Conference from 14 to 17 July 2026 at HTS Witbank in the Nkangala District, Mpumalanga Province. The Conference attracted representatives from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Mpumalanga Department of Education, school principals, educators, universities, and industry partners. The Conference took place under the theme: "Preparing Tomorrow Through Skills”.
Discussions and workstreams centred on strengthening technical schooling through innovative teaching practices, addressing systemic challenges, enhancing teacher development, and expanding partnerships between education and industry to improve learner outcomes and employability.
Opening the Conference, NAST Chairperson Mr Phillip Teffo, highlighted the critical role of technical education in addressing South Africa's skills shortage and contributing to the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. He emphasised that technical schools have a significant responsibility to equip learners with relevant knowledge, practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities required in a rapidly changing economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, called for the acceleration of the pilot implementation of the Vocational-oriented and Occupational-oriented subjects from a limited number of schools to full implementation across all schools offering Technical Vocational and Technical Occupational pathways. She further advocated multilingual teaching approaches in technical subjects to improve learner understanding, participation and academic performance. Ms Masina urged delegates to ensure that the conference resolutions translate into meaningful classroom practice that prepares learners for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
A key highlight of the Conference was a presentation by the Acting Chief Director: National Institute and Curriculum and Professional Development (NICPD), Dr Aaron Nkosi, who outlined the significant progress made by the Department in developing the Guidelines for the Implementation of Focus Schools. Delegates also received an update on the Department's national audit of Focus Schools, which seeks to identify schools offering specialised subjects such as Aviation, Agriculture and Marine Sciences, whilst recognising institutions that are delivering these programmes but have not yet been formally designated as Focus Schools.
Professional development formed an integral part of the Conference programme. Educators participated in practical training sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business planning, equipping them with strategies to integrate entrepreneurial thinking into classroom practice and empower learners with skills for self-employment.
The Conference concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and education stakeholders. Through strengthened partnerships, curriculum innovation and practical skills development, the Conference reaffirmed a shared commitment to preparing learners with the technical competencies, entrepreneurial mindset and resilience required to contribute meaningfully to South Africa's economic growth and sustainable development.