CHIETA opens first SMART Skills Centre in the Karoo

In a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in rural South Africa, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and the Karoo Hoogland Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier today, 28 January 2025 to establish a state-of-the-art Smart Skills Centre in Fraserburg, Northern Cape.

This groundbreaking partnership will bring cutting-edge digital courses and skills development programs to Fraserburg and the surrounding communities, equipping residents with the expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. The Smart Skills Centre, set to launch in late 2025, is poised to empower local youth and community members with skills for future employment opportunities.

Step toward bridging the digital divide
“The signing of the MoU earlier today marks a crucial milestone in CHIETA’s efforts to expand digital education to underserved areas,” said Yershen Pillay, CEO of CHIETA (right).

“The Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre will provide the communities of Fraserburg, Sutherland and Williston with access to essential digital skills training over the next five years, ensuring no one in this rural community is left behind in the digital revolution.”

Expanding the National Smart Skills Network
Fraserburg’s Smart Skills Centre will join CHIETA’s growing network of innovative training hubs, becoming the ninth Smart Skills Centre established in October 2022. This expanding network includes centres in:

• Saldanha Bay (Western Cape)
• Eastern Cape
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Mpumalanga
• North-West
• Modjadjiskloof (Limpopo)
• Gauteng (Not yet launched)
• Free State (Not yet launched)

“With the addition of Fraserburg, we are addressing the disparities in skills development across rural South Africa,” Pillay added.

“This centre will build on the success of our previous initiatives, offering digital literacy, technical training, and industry-relevant skills that enhance employability and promote economic growth.”

Fostering sustainability through partnerships
CHIETA is committed to ensuring the centre’s long-term sustainability by collaborating with stakeholders and partners that are aligned with its vision for inclusive skills development. Organisations can apply for discretionary grants to introduce additional training programs tailored to community needs.

“This Smart Skills Centre is a cornerstone of our broader mission to drive socio-economic growth in rural areas,” Pillay explained.

“Through today’s partnership with the Karoo Hoogland Municipality, we are creating a foundation for Fraserburg’s residents and surrounding communities to thrive in the fast-changing global economy.”

Looking ahead
The MoU signed earlier today will remain in effect for five years. During this time, CHIETA and its partners will continuously evaluate and adapt the centre’s programmes to align with the demands of Industry 4.0 and the green economy.

“This collaboration is about more than just skills development,” Pillay concluded.

“It’s about providing meaningful opportunities and a brighter future for the communities in the Karoo Hoogland municipality. We are building a more digitally inclusive and sustainable South Africa.”