Project Dineo: Rebuilding SA's Motor Industry Talent
Status: RECONSTRUCTED from industry news Original Publication: July 18, 2025 Topic: Youth Employment & Skills Development
What is Project Dineo?
"Project Dineo" is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing one of South Africa's most critical challenges: youth unemployment in the motor industry.
Spearheaded by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) in partnership with merSETA and the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, Project Dineo focuses on identifying, training, and placing young talent into high-demand technical roles.
Key Objectives
- Talent Identification: Finding high-potential youth who have the aptitude for technical work but lack the opportunities.
- Accelerated Training: Providing intensive skills development in trades such as:
- Motor Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics
- Automotive Body Repair (Panel Beating)
- Spray Painting
- Workplace Integration: Connecting these trained candidates with employers for internships and permanent placement.
Why "Dineo"?
The name "Dineo" means "Gifts" in Sotho/Tswana. The project views South Africa's youth not as a burden of unemployment, but as gifted individuals who—with the right support—can become the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket.
Benefits for Employers
For motor industry employers, Project Dineo offers a pipeline of vetted, work-ready candidates. Participating in the program also contributes to:
- B-BBEE Skills Development points
- Employment Equity targets
- Reduced recruitment costs
MIBCO's Role
As the bargaining council, MIBCO ensures that learners and apprentices entering through such programs are properly registered and that their training aligns with industry standards. We encourage all employers to support initiatives like Project Dineo that rebuild the technical capacity of our sector.
Note: This article was reconstructed based on industry reports regarding the RMI and merSETA "Project Dineo" initiative referenced in Three One Solutions industry insights.
