Project Dineo: Rebuilding SA’s Motor Industry Talent

TL;DR

Project Dineo is more than a training program. It’s a national workforce strategy to rebuild South Africa’s automotive sector through paid, practical learning. With a focus on youth, women, and people with disabilities, the program connects technical training with real-world experience.

This article explains why it is important, how it works, and how employers can get involved. It also shows how they can prepare using the MIBCO Compliance Checklist.

What Is Project Dineo?

Launched in 2025, Project Dineo is a national skills development program. It is led by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). They work with merSETA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, and the Presidency of South Africa. The project is a response to two urgent national problems:

• High youth unemployment (46% among under-34s)

• A chronic shortage of qualified artisans in the motor industry

The name "Dineo" means "gift" in Sotho. This reflects the project’s goal. It aims to give young South Africans structured career pathways through Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Key Features:

• Technical Training through TVET Colleges and accredited providers

• On-the-job apprenticeships at RMI-accredited workshops

• Monthly stipend to support learners during training

• Mentorship from experienced artisans and workshop leaders

Real Skills. Real Jobs. Real Transformation.

Project Dineo bridges the gap between the classroom and the workshop floor. Over the next three years, 300 learners will train in trades such as:

• Motor Mechanics

• Diesel Mechanics

• Spray Painting

• Panel Beating

These aren’t just generic skills. They’re tailored to real roles in real workshops.

A Real Example:

At the Motor Mech Show at Port Rex Technical High School in East London, students took part in the Junior Mechanic Challenge. They used real tools on real vehicles. The event also launched Project Dineo publicly, bringing together RMI executives, school leaders, and government representatives.

The top performers received starter kits and industry mentorship opportunities — proof that the program is more than theory.

Why Employers Should Pay Attention

Project Dineo doesn’t just benefit learners — it benefits workshops and employers too.

Employers Gain:

• Access to motivated young talent

• B-BBEE and Employment Equity score improvements

• Custom-trained workers who learn on your floor

• Long-term pipeline of loyal, skilled artisans

But there’s a catch: You must be MIBCO compliant to participate. And that’s where most businesses fail.

The Compliance Gap (and How to Fix It)

Many workshops want to help train young people. However, they often do not meet the basic rules for labour law, workplace readiness, and employee records. This limits their ability to host apprentices under initiatives like Project Dineo.

If you're unsure about your compliance, start with the tool we created specifically for this:

✅ The MIBCO Compliance Checklist

It’s a simple, 12-point self-audit designed for:

• Business owners

• HR managers

• Payroll professionals

• Finance & Legal teams

In under 5 minutes, you can:

• Identify hidden risks

• Fix common compliance gaps

• Determine if you're ready to support WIL learners

Download the MIBCO Compliance Checklist now

The Bigger Picture: Skills, Jobs, and Industry Growth

Project Dineo is not just about teaching students to fix cars. It’s about:

• Creating jobs where there were none

• Giving dignity and income to young people

• Helping businesses grow their workforce without huge recruitment costs

• Supporting national targets to train 30,000 artisans per year

As Ipeleng Mabusela, RMI CEO, said: “We’re not just running courses — we’re building careers."

And as Three One Solutions, we believe that compliance is the foundation for building those careers.

Whether you want to host learners, claim grants, or avoid costly inspections, compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Project Dineo?
Project Dineo is a South African government-supported skills development program in the motor industry. It combines classroom training with paid, on-the-job apprenticeships, helping young people earn while they learn real trade skills.

Who qualifies for Project Dineo?
Young people under 35 who want to work in automotive trades. This is especially true for women, people with disabilities, and youth of color. These trades include motor mechanics, diesel mechanics, spray painting, and panel beating.

How can employers get involved?
Employers can host learners by registering with the RMI and ensuring their workshops meet MIBCO compliance. They should start by using the MIBCO Compliance Checklist to check if their business is ready to support apprentices.

🔗 Links

• RMI.org.za - Project Dineo Overview

• merSETA

• MIBCO Compliance Checklist

Final Word

Project Dineo is a bold, hopeful step forward for South Africa's youth and its motor industry. It connects passion with profession and gives employers a direct hand in shaping the artisans of tomorrow.

But it all starts with readiness. If you want to be part of this movement, take 5 minutes to assess your business using the: MIBCO Compliance Checklist. Let’s build futures that last — together.

About the Author

Elleck Mgiba started Three One Solutions. This South African company helps employers in the motor industry stay MIBCO compliant. They also prepare for work-integrated learning programs like Project Dineo.

Elleck has over 20 years of experience in labour law, HR compliance, and dispute resolution. He has trained hundreds of professionals on passing audits, managing inspections, and creating fair workplaces.

Three One Solutions provides useful tools like the MIBCO Compliance Checklist. These tools help businesses support learners and confidently grow their workforce.