Fezile Dabi Schools Iketsetseng, HTS, Dr Reginald Cingo and Thakameso are amongst top schools in the Free State that has produced top artisans in Free State Technical Schools Skills Competition held from the 3rd to the 5th September 2026.
The 8th Edition of the competition brought together 120 learners and 80 Educators (Grade 10 & 11) from 40 schools throughout the province. These learners and educators were champions in their respective districts, displaying extraordinary skill in Welding, Fitting & Machining, Woodworking, Construction, Plumbing, Automotive, Digital & Power Systems, Electrical and Engineering Graphics and Design.
What began in 2018 with only one specialization (welding) has now turned into a National Competition. “The Free State Department of Education led the way and is the first province to host these competitions” said Director for Curriculum Secondary Schools, Ms Janette Nel. “We want to expand the Competition to include Grade 8 and 9 learners so that learners can have an opportunity to come back and try again. These competitions not only build skills but help us increase participation in Technical subjects”.
The competition was inspired by the NDP (National Development Plan) 2030, which outlines our government’s goal to have 30 000 artisans by 2030.
Acting DDG Ms Bukelwa Qwelane, on behalf of Mr Montso, said “our country has a challenge and we need learners who can grow to build, repair, design, create and solve problems. These are our future artisans, entrepreneurs, technicians, innovators and industry leaders”.
Fezile Dabi District Winners:
*Mr S Radebe Iketsetseng MST Position 1-Fitting and Machining 95%
* C Ootzhuizen- HTS Sasolburg Position 1-Power Systems Position 95%
*MB Monyada-Thakameso Technical School- Position 1 Plumbing 87%
*Teacher Position 1- Fitting and Machining 72%-Mr L Magwaza Dr Reginald Cingo Comprehensive
*Teacher Position1-Plumbing-Mr C Khathabe 93% (Thakameso Technical School
*Teacher Position 1-Welding 75%- Mr N Makhasi- Iketsetseng Technical School
*Teacher Position 1-Woodworking 95% -Mr F Hlongwane Thakameso Technical School
Top Winners from Various Districts Are:
*Position 1 Automotive 98%-Ms TS Bebeza Leseding Technical School Lejweleputswa
*Position 1Digital Systems 81% Ms R Motsoare Lenyora la Thuto Technical School Mangaung
* Position 1 Electronics 88% Ms N Mofokeng Leseding Technical School Lejweleputswa
*Teacher Position 1Construction 82%- Mr E Modise Tikwana Secondary School Lejweleputswa
*Teacher Position 1-Power Systems 92%- Hodisa Technical School Mangaung Metro
*Position 1-Woodworking 85%-Mr JJ Fourie Bethlehem Voortrekker High School-Thabo Mofutsanyana
*Teacher Position Electronics 84% Mr Manopole Bethlehem Combined School- Thabo Mofutsanyana
*Position 1 Construction 63%- Mr L Makhalemele Reikaletse Secondary School- Xhariep
*Teacher Position 1 EGD-84% Mr L Moleme- Commtech Mangaung Metro
*Teacher Position 1 Digital Mr N Maloisane- Hodisa Technical School Mangaung Metro
