At Enlit Africa 2026, the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) is positioning skills development as a critical enabler of transformation across South Africa’s energy and water sectors, says EWSETA corporate services manager Candice Moodley.

“As the training authority for the energy and water sector, EWSETA plays a central role in building the human capital required to support these essential industries, working closely with employers, municipalities, water boards, government and training institutions to strengthen the skills pipeline,” she notes.

With both sectors undergoing rapid change, driven by technology, sustainability requirements and increasing pressure on infrastructure, the need for a responsive and future-ready workforce has never been greater. EWSETA’s approach focuses on aligning skills planning with real industry demand, ensuring that training programmes and learning pathways are relevant, practical and impactful.

“Through initiatives such as workplace-based learning, artisan development, learnerships and bursaries, the organisation is helping to develop the technical, operational and management capabilities needed to support reliable service delivery,” says Moodley.

A key challenge facing the sector is keeping pace with the complexity of modern energy and water systems. As these systems become more interconnected and digitally driven, there is growing demand for a broader mix of skills – from technical and engineering expertise to digital and strategic competencies. EWSETA is addressing this by working with stakeholders across the value chain to identify skills gaps and implement targeted interventions that respond directly to sector needs.

In the water sector specifically, EWSETA is advancing a more evidence-based understanding of skills requirements, engaging with industry and government partners to ensure that training initiatives are aligned with the realities on the ground, Moodley explains. This includes a strong focus on infrastructure maintenance, water efficiency and sustainable service delivery, all of which are essential for supporting communities and economic development.

“Importantly, EWSETA’s work is closely linked to the broader Just Energy Transition and sustainability agenda. Recognising the interdependence between energy, water and economic growth, the organisation is helping to ensure that the workforce is equipped to support a more resilient and inclusive future,” states Moodley.

At Enlit Africa, EWSETA’s message is clear: meaningful sector transformation depends not only on technology and investment, but on the development of the right skills to drive long-term impact.

EWSETA corporate services manager Candice Moodley speaks to Engineering News at Enlit Africa 2026 about positioning skills development as a critical enabler of transformation across the energy and water sectors.