The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), in partnership with Phila Jordan Capital, has announced the rollout of a province-wide Practical Artisanal Skills Development Programme to tackle youth unemployment, industrial skills shortages, and support inclusive economic participation in Mpumalanga.

This transformative initiative, backed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, aims to equip over 3,000 young people with practical, industry-aligned artisanal skills over the next three years, supporting key provincial sectors such as mining, energy, civil aviation, manufacturing, agro-processing, construction, and tourism.

“Mpumalanga’s economy is rich with opportunity, but only if we ensure our people are ready to participate,” said Mr. Isaac Mahlangu, Chief Executive Officer of MEGA. “Through this partnership, we are developing a skilled, certified and empowered workforce that can unlock value across our districts.”

A Practical, Demand-Led Skills Model

Developed by Phila Jordan Capital, the Artisanal Development Model focuses on workplace readiness, hands-on learning, and post-training absorption. Key features of the model include:

• Modular Training in Core Trades: Welding, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, boiler making, bricklaying, automotive mechanics, and agricultural mechanisation.

• Work-Integrated Learning: Trainees are placed in real-world sites such as mines, energy plants, farms, and construction sites during and after training.

• TVET & SMME Partnerships: Training delivered in partnership with local TVET colleges and black-owned enterprises for skills absorption.

• Pathways to Enterprise: Graduates are supported to form micro-enterprises and cooperatives supplying local infrastructure and service contracts.

• Accreditation: SETA-accredited and aligned with the QTCO

Target Districts and Sectors

The programme will be implemented across all three district municipalities in Mpumalanga:

District Sector Focus

Nkangala Mining, power station maintenance, and construction

Gert Sibande Petrochemicals, agro-processing, automotive

Ehlanzeni Forestry, eco-tourism, horticulture, and plumbing

“This partnership gives practical meaning to localisation and empowerment,” said Phila Jordan, Director of Phila Jordan Capital. “We’re not just training for certificates — we are building practical tradespeople who can plug into the provincial economy.”

Programme Objectives

• Develop 3,000+ artisans over three years, prioritising youth and women.

• Establish 9 decentralised training hubs across Mpumalanga.

• Support 100 enterprise start-ups formed by programme graduates.

• Facilitate local procurement pipelines from municipalities, SOEs, and mines to trained artisans and micro-SMMEs.

Call to Industry and Municipal Partners

MEGA and Phila Jordan Capital are calling on industry leaders, local municipalities, mines, and infrastructure developers to support the programme through placement opportunities, mentorship partnerships and procurement commitments

A Vision for Empowered Participation

This initiative aligns with Mpumalanga’s vision of inclusive growth and forms part of the province’s Skills for Jobs campaign under the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. By linking training to opportunity, the programme sets a new standard for impact-driven empowerment. The official launch is anticipated to be held at the MEGA Kabokweni Industrial Park on the 30th June 2025.

For Media Inquiries:

MEGA CEO: Mr Isaac Mahlangu

Tel: [013 492 5818] Email: isaac.mahlangu@mega.gov.za

Phila Jordan Capital CEO: Mr Phila Jordan

Tel: +27 60 737 5940 Email: phila@pjcapital.co.za

Website: www.philajordancapital.co.za

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