Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela urged universities and TVET colleges to match their courses with labour market demands. He spoke at the FoodBev Seta Research Colloquium on 03 March 2026. Manamela stressed that South Africa's skills system must adapt to technological shifts like automation and digitalisation to stay competitive.

This alignment supports economic growth and addresses skills mismatches. Research plays a key role in shaping qualifications and training. The minister highlighted collaboration between education institutions, industry, and Setas as essential for progress.

Minister Calls for Agile Skills Development

Manamela warned that rapid technological changes reshape the world of work. Therefore, education providers must respond quickly. He noted automation and advanced manufacturing demand new skills from employers.

Universities and TVET colleges cannot lag behind, he added. Instead, they should use Seta research to guide investments. This approach ensures qualifications meet industry needs and foster social transformation.

South Africa education labour market alignment remains crucial for global competitiveness. The minister emphasized integrating research into policy and funding. Consequently, the system becomes more responsive.

Role of Setas in Bridging Gaps

Setas connect education institutions with employers effectively. For example, they produce labour market intelligence and sector skills plans. Manamela praised the FoodBev Seta's work as a model for guiding skills investment.

His department links research directly to economic priorities. Thus, it builds a capable state through high-quality data. "Research is not an academic exercise confined to institutions of learning; it is a strategic instrument for economic growth, social transformation and sectoral advancement," Manamela said, according to The Citizen.

Entrepreneurship drives inclusive growth, especially in food and beverages. Young people need innovation and creativity skills. Empowering them creates jobs and strengthens value chains.

Tackling Youth Unemployment and Skills Mismatches

Manamela acknowledged persistent challenges like skills mismatches and high youth unemployment. Statistics South Africa reported a youth unemployment rate of 46.1% in the second quarter of 2025. Trading Economics corroborated similar trends, noting rates around 57% for ages 15-24 in late 2025.

Government, industry, labour, and Setas must collaborate to address these issues. The colloquium starts a research-led journey for stronger post-school education. Next steps include enhanced workplace learning and curriculum updates.

Officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training did not provide additional comments by publication time. However, the minister called for sustained partnerships to position the sector for long-term success.