From 16 to 18 August 2026, Finland’s Minister of Education, Mr Anders Adlercreutz, visited South Africa for three days of dialogue, engagement and collaboration aimed at strengthening cooperation in education, vocational training and skills development.
The visit brought together government, education, industry and civil society stakeholders to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration and to exchange experiences on preparing young people for the future world of work.
Finland’s Education Minister Engages South African Schools and Colleges
As part of the programme, Minister Adlercreutz visited Tamboerskloof Primary School, where he engaged with learners and educators and gained insights into the South African school environment.
The programme also took the Minister to Northlink College Bellville Campus, where he toured the campus, met with students and learned more about South Africa’s approach to vocational education and skills development.
The engagements provided an opportunity to share perspectives on education systems and examine how international cooperation can contribute to stronger learning and skills-development outcomes.
Bilateral Discussions on Education Cooperation
Minister Adlercreutz also held bilateral discussions with Minister of Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Dube-Ncube.
The discussions focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between Finland and South Africa, particularly in areas related to education, vocational training and skills development.
The engagements highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries as they seek practical opportunities to strengthen their respective education and training systems.
Connecting Education with Industry
A key component of the programme was a high-level South Africa–Finland exchange on Vocational Education and Industry Partnerships, co-hosted with Metso and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
The exchange brought together stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening the relationship between education institutions and industry.
The discussions reflected the growing importance of ensuring that vocational education responds to the needs of employers and equips students with relevant skills for an evolving economy.
Building Connections Across the Education Sector
An evening reception provided another platform for government representatives, education institutions, industry and NGO stakeholders to meet, share experiences and exchange ideas.
Beyond formal discussions, the gathering created opportunities to establish new connections and explore areas of potential cooperation between Finnish and South African stakeholders.
A Shared Focus on the Next Generation
The three-day programme demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing education and skills development.
Through school and college visits, bilateral discussions, industry engagement and stakeholder exchanges, Finland and South Africa continued to explore ways of working together to create stronger opportunities for learners and young people.
The visit ultimately centred on a shared goal: creating better opportunities for the next generation through education, skills development and stronger connections between learning and the world of work.
