Project Dineo Launches at Port Rex — Driving Opportunity for SA’s Youth
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A bold new youth development initiative, Project Dineo, was officially launched at the MIWA Motor Mech Show at Port Rex Technical High School in East London this weekend on 21 June marking a transformative moment for the South African automotive industry and the next generation of artisans.
Led by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) in partnership with merSETA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, and the Presidency, Project Dineo will provide life-changing opportunities to 100 talented young South Africans per year, for the next three years. The programme is proudly focused on empowering women, persons with disabilities, and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The initiative was fittingly launched at the first MIWA Motor Mech Show of the 2025 season, an event that brought together learners, educators, employers and communities to showcase the dynamic career opportunities available in the automotive sector. “Motor Mech is more than just a competition. It is a dynamic platform that brings together learners, educators, employers, and communities to spark curiosity, open doors, and ignite passion for the many career opportunities this vibrant sector holds – both technical and non-technical,” says Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI
Dineo means ‘gift’ in Sotho, and that’s exactly what this project represents – a gift of opportunity to our youth, our industry and our nation. Speaking at the launch Mabusela, said, “Through mentorship, apprenticeships, and short skills programmes, we are building the next generation of artisans while tackling critical challenges; encouraging greater female participation and addressing youth unemployment.”
Special keynote guests who attended the launch included Mr Sabelo Buthelezi, Chief Director Special Projects for the Department of Higher Education, Sue Hagemann, Client Relationship Manager at Harambee, Kim Smallie, MD of the Automotive Learning Academy, Naphtaly Mokgotsane, merSETA acting CEO and Ettiene Theron, Principal of Port Rex Technical high school.
Speaking at the launch Buthelezi emphasised, “Colleges must become institutions that employers trust; where a certificate represents practical readiness and where students feel proud to learn. To our valued industry employers, large and small, we need you. Participation by private sector employers, especially the proud accredited members of the RMI, is not optional – it is essential. The Department has witnessed firsthand the invaluable contribution of RMI-affiliated employers in supporting four TVET colleges participating in the Centres of Specialisation programme.
Without workplace experience, an apprenticeship remains incomplete. Without employer mentors, apprentices lack the real-world feedback that makes learning come alive. We are not asking you to carry this burden alone. Government, through SETA grants and support systems, stands with you,” he said.
merSETA acting CEO Naphtaly Mokgotsane added, “Dineo means gift but it can also be talent, and I am saying talent in a sense of what we as a SETA do. When we close skills gaps, we want to enhance peoples talents to be enable them to be skillfull so today we are reminded of the critical role of partnerships.
Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director, concurs emphasising that modern apprenticeships offer much more than practical training – they provide a pathway to a respected, sustainable career. “In today’s rapidly evolving technological world, being an artisan is about engaging with cutting-edge tools, diagnostics, and technologies. It is a future-facing profession and a real career of choice,” he said.
Project Dineo offers a comprehensive, practical pathway for young people entering the automotive sector. “Participants will receive high-quality training through top public TVET colleges and accredited learning providers, ensuring a solid theoretical foundation. This is complemented by hands-on industry experience through structured Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements with RMI member employers. The combination of formal education and real-world exposure sets learners on a direct route to full employment in high-demand trades such as motor and diesel mechanics, panel beating, spray painting, and more,” he expands.
Mabusela says this initiative opens doors for talented young people who may otherwise never have had access to these opportunities. “We are proud that the Eastern Cape is hosting the national launch and that Port Rex is the ideal partner school, already renowned for its strong links to industry and technical excellence.
In the Eastern Cape, where youth unemployment remains an urgent challenge – particularly in areas like Mdantsane – initiatives like Dineo offer real, practical hope. And with over 890 RMI members in this region alone, many of them small but value-adding businesses, we are well positioned to lead the charge and we could not think about a more fitting Province to launch our project and award eleven technical training grants to Motor Mech participants. “We chose East London because this project is about the forgotten places, the forgotten youth,” says Mabusela.
Ettiene Theron, Principal of Port Rex Technical High School, said the school was honoured to host the launch of such an impactful programme. “We see every day the hunger for opportunity among our learners. Project Dineo is more than a project – it’s a beacon of hope. Together with the RMI, merSETA and our industry partners, we are building pathways to real, meaningful careers.”
As the day unfolded at Motor Mech with competitions, demonstrations and career showcases the message was clear – the future of South Africa’s automotive industry lies in the hands of its young artisans. Project Dineo is now set to drive that future forward, one apprentice, one skill, and one career at a time.
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