Services SETA and partners map the way from stonemasonry skills to recognised careers and enterprises

Johannesburg, 10 November 2026 – The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) today convenes partners from across government, industry and training in Sandton to plan the roll-out of the Stonemasonry Project, which aims to turn skills many practitioners learnt informally into recognised qualifications, jobs and sustainable small businesses.

Stonemasonry supports several industries, including tombstone and monument manufacturing, stone processing, construction and heritage restoration. Many people in the trade acquired their skills on the job and face barriers to formal recognition, suitable equipment, business support and access to markets.

Services SETA developed the Occupational Certificate: Stonemason and related part qualifications to support formal training and recognition of existing skills. The Stonemasonry Project is designed to put these qualifications to work through four routes:

•       Artisan training for new entrants to the trade

•       Recognition of prior learning (RPL) so experienced practitioners can have their skills assessed and certified

•       Workplace learning with employers in the stone, construction, monument and heritage sectors

•       Enterprise support for emerging stonemasonry businesses, including equipment, business skills and market access

“Across South Africa there are skilled stonemasons whose work we see every day, in our buildings, our memorials and our heritage sites, but whose skills have never been formally recognised. This project is about changing that, and about making sure recognition leads to real work and real businesses,” said Sibusiso Dhladhla, Acting CEO , Services SETA.

Today’s stakeholder workshop brings together SETAs, quality assurance bodies, training institutions, industry, technical partners and potential funders. Participants will refine the project’s scope, assess implementation readiness and agree on delivery arrangements. The workshop is expected to produce a coordinated implementation plan setting out responsibilities, timelines, resource requirements and proposed partner contributions.

“No single organisation can do this alone. Training providers, employers, assessment bodies and funders each hold part of the solution. Today is about agreeing who does what, and by when,” said Dhladhla, Stonemasonry Project lead.

Funding and partner commitments arising from the workshop remain subject to the relevant approvals.