NECSA and EWSETA Partner to Strengthen Nuclear and Water Skills Pipeline

In a significant step towards building a future ready, skilled workforce in South Africa’s energy landscape, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), This partnership marks a decisive moment in the country’s journey to develop world class capabilities in nuclear energy and water, positioning South Africa to meet growing demand, drive innovation, and participate meaningfully in global energy transitions.

Framework for Collaboration

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework through which Necsa and EWSETA will work together to deliver high impact education, training, and skills development programmes. The goal is clear, to strengthen the country’s ability to produce the critical, scarce, and future-fit skills needed in the nuclear and water sectors sectors that are integral to national development, energy security, industrial advancement, and environmental sustainability.

The two organisations will jointly map current and future skills needs in the nuclear sector to ensure that training initiatives align with emerging industry demands. Secondly, they will develop coordinated programmes that target nuclear-specific occupations, such as reactor operations, radiation protection, and nuclear engineering. In addition, the MoU promotes enterprise and career development by encouraging entrepreneurship, increasing career awareness, and creating pathways for young professionals through targeted youth programmes and support for small and emerging enterprises. Moreover, the partners aim to strengthen academic industry linkages to advance research, drive innovation, and shape curricula that respond to the needs of the nuclear and water sectors. Finally, by aligning these actions with national priorities, the partnership aims to boost the country’s competitiveness, expand inclusive economic participation, and prepare a new generation of South Africans to thrive in high technology, specialised fields.

Leadership Perspectives on the MoU

Speaking on the significance of this collaboration, Necsa Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Loyiso Tyabashe, noted
“Collaborating with institutions such as EWSETA through our Necsa Learning Academy is essential to advancing South Africa’s national and socioeconomic development agenda. This MoU enables us to better define and meet the evolving skills needs of the nuclear sector, ensuring our industry has the capacity to support strategic infrastructure and energy goals.”

Echoing this vision, EWSETA Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Mpho Mookapele, added:
“As a Sector Education and Training Authority, our mandate is to contribute to an inclusive, skilled economy. This partnership with Necsa allows us to design and deliver responsive training that empowers young people, supports the growth of the nuclear value chain, and ensures South Africa is ready for the technological future that lies ahead.”

A Catalyst for Growth and Innovation

This partnership reaffirms both Necsa and EWSETA’s commitment to playing a catalytic role in advancing South Africa’s nuclear energy and water sectors unlocking opportunities for skills development, industrialisation, and long term economic growth.