South Africa’s EV Skills Gap: A Race Against Time

According to Engineering News, South Africa’s automotive industry is developing an Electromobility Occupational Skills Programme, a nationally recognized qualification designed to equip technicians with skills to service electric and hybrid vehicles. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) is leading the development in collaboration with the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, with the process beginning in May and gaining traction by October. By 2024, 90 hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, and EV models across 20 brands were available to South African consumers, with more models introduced this year including Changan, Deepal, and Tata. The qualification development follows a structured process from scoping through implementation, with RMI noting they’ve advocated for this development for over six years. This initiative represents a critical step in addressing South Africa’s growing EV skills gap.

The Urgent Need for Standardization

The development of this qualification comes at a crucial inflection point for South Africa’s automotive sector. Unlike traditional combustion engines where repair procedures have been standardized over decades, electric vehicle servicing requires entirely different skill sets involving high-voltage systems, battery management, and complex electronics. The absence of standardized training has created a dangerous knowledge gap where technicians without proper certification are attempting repairs on systems that can deliver fatal electric shocks. This program represents South Africa’s first coordinated effort to establish baseline competency standards for a technology that’s fundamentally different from what most local technicians have encountered.

Broader Economic Implications

This skills initiative has implications far beyond individual repair shops. South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector contributes approximately 7% to GDP and supports nearly 500,000 jobs. As global automakers accelerate their EV transitions, South African manufacturing facilities risk becoming obsolete if the local workforce cannot support production and maintenance of electric vehicles. The qualification development aligns with the country’s broader industrial strategy to remain relevant in the global automotive value chain. Without this skilled workforce, South Africa could lose its position as Africa’s automotive hub to countries that adapt more quickly to the electric transition.

The Implementation Challenge

While the qualification framework represents progress, the real test lies in implementation. South Africa’s technical education system has historically struggled with bridging the gap between curriculum development and practical workplace readiness. The success of this program will depend on adequate funding for training equipment, qualified instructors who actually understand EV systems, and establishing partnerships with dealerships and service centers for practical experience. Additionally, the program must continuously evolve as EV technology advances—what’s relevant today may be obsolete in three years given the rapid pace of innovation in battery technology and electric drivetrains.

Building Consumer Confidence

The availability of qualified technicians directly impacts consumer adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. Range anxiety has been the primary concern for potential EV buyers, but service anxiety represents an equally significant barrier. Consumers need confidence that when their vehicle requires maintenance or repair, qualified technicians are available nationwide. This qualification program helps establish that confidence by creating a recognizable standard of competence. For the retail automotive sector, this means dealerships and independent shops can market their certified EV capabilities, potentially creating competitive advantages in a growing market segment.

Global Context and Competitive Positioning

South Africa is relatively late to formal EV technician training compared to markets like Europe, China, and North America where similar programs have existed for several years. However, this timing may prove advantageous by allowing South Africa to learn from other countries’ implementation challenges. The critical question is whether the program can scale quickly enough to meet anticipated demand. With more than 20 brands already offering electric or hybrid models in the market, and sales expected to increase as prices become more competitive, the window for developing this skilled workforce is narrowing rapidly. The success of this qualification program will significantly influence South Africa’s ability to participate in the global electric mobility revolution rather than being left behind.