Nissan South Africa has partnered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to improve the skills development of learners at the University of Johannesburg and 5 TVET Colleges as part of its commitment to the socioeconomic development of youth in the country. Nissan has handed over engine unit sets containing engines, gearboxes, and differentials worth over 2 million Rand to UJ and five TVET colleges in Gauteng, Limpopo, and North-West through the Motor Technology Enhancement Programme (MTEP).
“Through actively supporting projects aimed at resolving societal challenges, Nissan has embarked on a journey to support skills development and training in higher education institutions across South Africa.” “We are committed to working to improve the lives of South Africans and communities in areas such as education, the environment, and humanitarian aid,”
says Kabelo Rabotho, Nissan South Africa’s Country Director.
The automotive industry is widely known to be experiencing a chronic skills shortage, with reports indicating that skills such as motor body repair and spray painting, petrol mechanics, diesel mechanics, welding, vehicle bodybuilding, and auto electrical are in short supply. Globally, the sector is expected to face a 2.3 million skilled worker shortage by 2025, rising to 4.3 million by 2030. The MTEP’s goal is to improve the motor technology curriculum at colleges to make them more responsive to the needs of the ever-changing automotive industry.
“Having Nissan South Africa as our partner in the journey to establish an up-to-date motor technical programme, complete with tools and cutting-edge equipment, is a dream come true for us.”
– Dr. Samuel Loyiso Gqibani, Head of the School for Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology at UJ, agrees.
Tshwane North, Tshwane South, Waterberg, Vuselela, and Central Johannesburg will receive engine sets in addition to UJ. In addition, the MTEP will donate an engine unit to UJ.”The engines will provide experiential training to students studying automotive programmes in the Engineering Faculty, allowing lecturers to enhance learning by providing practical demonstrations and application of subject content,” says Dr. Thembi Tsibogo, Principal of Tshwane North College.
“Our approach as Nissan to advanced teaching and skill development is informed by our commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Goal of Inclusive and Quality Education, furthering South Africa’s Automotive Masterplan 2035, which commits the industry, among other things, to the development of new technologies and skills, and Nissan’s sustainability strategy pillar of realising a more inclusive society,” Rabotho added.
– Rabotho concluded,
“Today’s automotive technicians need to be equipped with the best in equipment and parts to ensure that their problem-solving skills and innovative capabilities are enhanced for the better. We trust these donations will add great value to the learners”
