Basic Education Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, joined the National Association for Schools of Technology (NAST) Conference at Louis Botha Technical High School in Bloemfontein on 30 June 2025. The aim of this Conference was to empower technical education through cooperation, support and leadership.

In her remarks, Ms Sesi Nxesi, Chief Executive Officer of the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in technical education. She noted that strengthening these partnerships is essential to ensuring that schools are able to produce graduates who are job-ready and able to contribute meaningfully to the country's economic development.

Delivering the keynote address, DG Mweli highlighted the central role of technical education in shaping the country's future. “Technical education is the now and the future,” he said. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to expanding and improving the quality of technical schools to meet both current industry demands and future skills needs.

"South Africa currently has 464 technical high schools nationwide,” added Mr Mweli. "These schools play a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and reducing youth unemployment by offering learners practical and career-oriented education”.