South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world, with stark disparities in employment and economic opportunity. According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey, more than a third of the population struggles with unemployment and poverty, while the top 12% earn nearly half of the national income. In this challenging environment, the live events industry faces unique pressures, including the need for skilled professionals who can meet international technical and safety standards.
The live events industry has traditionally been a hands-on learning environment, where experience often outweighs formal qualifications. This is particularly true in South Africa, where the sector, still relatively young compared to global markets, faces challenges in bridging the gap between theoretical training and real-world demands. The rapid expansion of world-class stadiums, convention centres, and arenas in a post-apartheid industry boom has only amplified the need for skilled professionals who can meet international technical and safety standards.
As southern Africa’s leading technical supplier, Gearhouse Group has taken a proactive role in addressing this skills gap through its pioneering Learnership Programme. Committed to industry growth, inclusivity, and technical excellence, the Group plays a crucial role in ensuring that South Africa’s live events – ranging from concerts and sports matches to corporate meetings and international congresses –meet and exceed global standards.
Recognising the urgent need for industry-aligned training, Gearhouse first partnered with CreateSA, a division of the former MAPPP SETA (Sector Education Training Authority), to develop a structured qualification in Technical Production Services. By 2002, Gearhouse’s team had played a key role in drafting the country’s first SAQA-accredited Learnership at NQF Level 4. This curriculum, covering audiovisual, lighting, structures, rigging, and power distribution, was specifically designed to meet the sector’s evolving needs.
The Gearhouse Learnership launched in Johannesburg in 2004 with 12 learners and later expanded to Durban and Cape Town in 2007. Despite challenges such as the dissolution of MAPPP SETA, Gearhouse remained steadfast in its commitment, continuing the programme as a self-funded initiative. In 2013, the Academy was renamed in honour of Kentse Mpahlwa, a pioneering black technician whose career – from grassroots technician to company director – exemplifies the Academy’s vision of upward mobility through education and mentorship. Kentse Mpahlwa spearheaded the original Academy initiative until his untimely passing.
In 2015, the Learnership achieved CATHSSETA accreditation, further cementing its role in shaping the future of South Africa’s live events industry. Today, the programme has produced around 575 new technicians and continues to raise technical standards while ensuring that graduates are not only proficient but also safety-conscious professionals.
A practical approach to training
The Gearhouse Kentse Mpahlwa Academy (GKMA) bridges the gap between theoretical training and industry demands. Through structured experiential learning, students gain hands-on experience working with world-class productions. The curriculum covers key disciplines such as lighting, audio, audiovisual, rigging, power, and set building, embedding Occupational Health and Safety standards into every module. Additional certifications in firefighting, first aid, and working at height further enhance employability.
Training is conducted at Gearhouse’s facilities in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, where learners engage in real-world projects from setup to execution and deconstruction. This workplace-based model ensures graduates acquire technical expertise while developing problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills –essential attributes for success in the field.
Unlike conventional qualifications, Gearhouse’s programme is career-focused, ensuring that training translates directly into job opportunities. Learners also have the option to specialise in their second year, refining their expertise in specific technical fields. The programme actively promotes diversity by targeting school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds and encouraging female participation in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
Diversity is central to the Academy’s mission. Currently, 96% of learners are black, 21% are female, and 5% have disabilities. Many graduates come from underprivileged communities and have risen through the ranks to lead teams and mentor the next generation of technicians. In Cape Town, for example, 95% of Gearhouse’s event staff are Academy graduates – many now heading departments and shaping the industry’s future.
For many students, the Gearhouse Learnership is a life-changing opportunity. “I started as a casual stagehand, but Gearhouse gave me the tools to grow,” stated Sulaiman Wickstrom, now Branch Manager at Gearhouse Cape Town. “If you have a dream, this company makes it achievable.”
Senior AV technician, Samsodien Andrews shares a similar sentiment. “It’s hard work – long hours and late nights – but your persistence defines your success. Gearhouse gave me the foundation, and now I have the chance to give back by training others.”
Current learners echo the programme’s impact. “This learnership has opened doors I never imagined,” commented Declen Sumner, who aspires to a professional lighting career. For Amandla Zinhle Nkosi meanwhile, the experience is exhilarating. “It’s like a rollercoaster – challenging but thrilling. I wake up sore but smiling because I’ve conquered new fears and gained new skills.” Khazimula Sokhela summed up the programme’s value: “It’s more than technical training – it’s exposure, networking, and a stepping stone to a career. With hard work and discipline, I’ll make my goals come alive.”
The impact of the Gearhouse Kentse Mpahlwa Academy extends far beyond technical training. By fostering inclusivity, professional excellence, and a culture of continuous development, Gearhouse is actively reshaping the live events industry. Each graduate represents a step towards a more skilled and diverse workforce, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.
With every new intake, the Academy solidifies its reputation as a launchpad for dynamic careers, producing versatile professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Whether they continue within Gearhouse or branch out independently, these graduates carry forward a legacy of innovation, dedication, and technical expertise.
As the live events sector continues to grow, the demand for structured, industry-aligned training has never been greater. Gearhouse Group’s unwavering commitment to education, safety, and industry advancement positions it as a transformative force, not just in South Africa but on the global stage. The success of the Learnership Programme stands as a testament to the power of investing in people – a principle that remains at the heart of Gearhouse’s mission to turn learning into leadership.
Photos: Gearhouse Group
