The Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted a high-level delegation from La Réunion Island during their visit to South Africa from 8 to 11 June 2026, aimed at strengthening cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and advancing skills development across key sectors.
The delegation expressed particular interest in South Africa’s engineering, hospitality, and agricultural education sectors. Their visit forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration under the European Union’s Interreg Programme (2021–2027), which seeks to promote cross-border cooperation and joint development initiatives.
On 8 June 2026, the delegation met with DBE officials at the Department’s Offices. The meeting was chaired by Mr Seliki Tlhabane, Chief Director for Curriculum Enhancement Programmes, supported by Senior Managers. During the engagement, the delegation outlined the Interreg Programme as the primary vehicle to support cooperation and collaboration with South Africa. They further expressed interest in co-creating projects with the DBE, focusing on strengthening vocational pathways within engineering, hospitality, and agricultural education.
Ms Hleki Mabunda, Director for International Relations at the DBE, provided an overview of existing cooperation between South Africa and France, noting that La Réunion, as a French territory, presents an opportunity to deepen these relations. The delegation highlighted their commitment to building practical, mutually beneficial programmes aligned with shared skills development priorities.
As part of the visit, the delegation undertook a series of site visits to technical and agricultural schools in KwaZulu-Natal to gain first-hand insight into South Africa’s vocational education system. These included Phoenix Technical School (Civil and Engineering) on 9 June 2026; Elangeni Technical School (Hospitality), Pinetown on 9 June 2026; and Weston Agricultural College on 10 June 2026. These engagements provided a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovative approaches to skills development and strengthening vocational training in priority sectors.
The delegation was welcomed in KwaZulu-Natal by Deputy Director-General for Curriculum, Mr Mbongiseni Mazibuko. Accompanying the delegation were Ms Nomsa Shabangu from DBE International Relations, who emphasised the Department’s commitment to supporting KwaZulu-Natal in co-developing programmes with La Réunion, as well as DBE subject specialists Mr Modiba Phosa and Mr Kanthan Naidoo.
The visit marks a significant step towards enhancing international cooperation in education and training, and underscores South Africa’s commitment to building strong partnerships that support skills development, economic growth, and youth empowerment.