The UK has announced £190,000 in funding for new skills development across South Africa for jobs in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector.
In a statement on Wednesday (22 June), the UK high commission said the new support will fund research to ensure South African students are developing the highly sought-after skills in the electric vehicle sector, as well as new online training content and support for lecturers.
“This partnership is about supporting South Africa to achieve its own targets for decarbonisation over time, supporting a just transition and unlocking the significant investment opportunities created in a rapidly emerging low carbon global economy,” said British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson.
“The UK is a long-standing partner in supporting South Africa’s climate ambitions, having invested over R4.8 billion (£250 million) in International Climate Finance in South Africa between 2011 and 2021. In recent years, UK firms have been responsible for 50% of investment in the fast-growing renewable energy sector.
“This week we were delighted to announce even more UK-South Africa partnerships with new support for electric vehicle training, and research into green hydrogen skills – to ensure that South African workers and young people are the major beneficiaries of the country’s transition to a greener future.”
The British High Commission has also teamed up with the Department of Science and Innovation on a report on how to boost the country’s skills base for a green hydrogen future.
Hydrogen energy is a clean and sustainable alternative to coal. The report identifies the type of skills and training needed and how these can be delivered through South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college system.
