Vaal University of Technology (VUT) said its NDT Programme Coordinator, Ms Zwelisha Nkwanyana, has been appointed to serve in a secretariat role on the South African Qualifications and Certification Committee for Non-Destructive Testing (SAQCC NDT), while also being nominated as a Subject Matter Expert for NDT technician qualification development.
The appointment places Nkwanyana within one of South Africa’s key structures for guiding standards, certification and professional development in non-destructive testing.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is used to assess the integrity of materials and structures without causing damage and plays an important role across sectors including power generation, manufacturing and aviation.
“Non-Destructive Testing plays a vital role in ensuring safety and quality across industries. Being part of structures that guide standards and qualifications is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of the profession in South Africa,” she said.
The SAQCC NDT, mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour, oversees the registration of professionals and supports the national development of the NDT field. VUT said Nkwanyana’s appointment reflects her experience in the sector and her contribution to advancing standards in the profession.
Her nomination was submitted by the Higher Education NDT Consortium, which includes the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of Pretoria, the University of Johannesburg, Tshwane University of Technology and VUT.
The SAQCC NDT Board includes representatives from several industries and institutions, including power generation, the fuels sector, certification bodies, the South African Institute for Non-Destructive Testing, the Southern African Institute of Welding, the South African Institute of Foundrymen, higher education institutions and the freight industry.
Within this structure, Nkwanyana is expected to contribute to certification standards, ethical practice and the broader strategic direction of the NDT profession in South Africa.
VUT said the appointment comes as the NDT section within its Applied Physical Sciences Department is working to strengthen industry alignment and improve graduate readiness for technical and safety-critical environments.
In a parallel development, Nkwanyana has also been nominated by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) as a Subject Matter Expert in the development of the Occupational Qualification: Non-Destructive Testing Technician at NQF Level 5. The process is being guided by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.
“This will support South Africa’s broader goals of skills development, industrial growth and inclusive economic participation,” she added.
VUT said the development reflects the university’s growing role in supporting national skills development and contributing to the standards and qualification pathways that shape the NDT profession.
