Africa Skills Training and Management (Pty) Ltd, part of UXi Artisan Development, will open the new private training centre, Africa Skills Cango Academy, in Oudtshoorn in early September 2026.
The satellite campus is a partnership between Africa Skills and the renowned tourism and conservation destination, Cango Wildlife, and will work closely with Africa Skills GeorgeTech and Africa Skills Ntaka. With George and Oudtshoorn approximately 66 km apart, academic, administrative and student-support services will be integrated efficiently. An administrative head has already been appointed jointly.
Three annual block intakes are planned for February, May and September 2027, with the first starting on September 7th, 2026.
According to Phillip Harmse, Executive Head: Business Development at UXi Artisan Development, the initial focus will be on short, workplace-oriented skills programmes.
“We will begin with Plumbing Hand, a full-time NQF Level 3 programme presented over 61 days, combining theory, practical training and workplace experience. It equips participants to assist qualified plumbers safely and competently with tools, site practices, technical drawings, water-supply and drainage systems, and environmentally responsible work practices.”
The entry requirement is Grade 9. The offering will expand to other handyman, assistant and residential-repair programmes, together with tourism, agriculture and retail qualifications. Students will also have access to IIB Online programmes in management, project management, office administration, early childhood development, finance, logistics, marketing and workplace skills.
The partnership with Cango Wildlife also creates opportunities for students interested in conservation and tourism careers while supporting the development of skills within the region.
Dr Garrett Eriksen, Academic Director at Cango Wildlife, said the collaboration aligns with Cango Wildlife’s long-term commitment to developing future conservation professionals.
“Hosting Africa Skills Cango Academy creates an exciting opportunity to connect students with real-world conservation and tourism careers. This partnership aligns with our vision of making quality education more accessible while creating meaningful pathways into the wildlife and tourism sectors. It also complements the development of our own Cango Academy, which is scheduled to launch in early 2027. The academy will combine online learning with accredited, hands-on practical training at Cango Wildlife, giving students valuable experience and practical skills that prepare them for careers in wildlife conservation, tourism and animal care.”
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