Upington · Johannesburg · Western Cape  |  Level 1 B-BBEE Provider
  Level 1 B-BBEE · Est. 2019

Built on Purpose.
Driven by Impact.

TEL Academy was founded with one goal — to unlock the potential of South Africans through quality, accredited training that creates real employment and real change.

2019
Year Established
Lvl 1
B-BBEE Status
3
Provinces Active
30+
Programmes Offered
TEL Academy Students
 Est. 2019
Our Story

Where TEL Academy
Began

TEL Academy was established in 2019 in Upington, Northern Cape — a region where access to quality training was limited but the need was immense. From day one, the academy set out to change that.

What started as a focused skills development initiative in the Northern Cape has grown into a multi-provincial training provider with active operations in Gauteng and Western Cape, serving learners across some of South Africa's most important mining and construction regions.

TEL Academy specialises in the Mining, Energy and Construction sectors, while offering a broad spectrum of accredited qualifications across multiple industries — from occupational health and safety to portable trade skills that empower communities.

Youth & Women Empowerment

Committed to training previously disadvantaged groups, women and unemployed youth.

3 Provinces

Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape — and growing.

Nationally Accredited

All programmes registered with SAQA and accredited by relevant SETAs.

Employed Upskilling

We also upskill workers already in employment to meet industry requirements.

Who We Are

Our Mission, Vision
& Values

Our Mission

To provide accessible, high-quality, nationally accredited training and skills development programmes that empower individuals — particularly youth, women and previously disadvantaged communities — to participate meaningfully in the South African economy.

Our Vision

To be the leading skills development provider in the Mining, Energy and Construction sectors across Southern Africa — recognised for the quality of our training, the impact of our graduates and our unwavering commitment to transformation and community development.

Our Values

  • Excellence in everything we do
  • Integrity and transparency
  • Inclusivity and transformation
  • Accountability to our learners
  • Community impact above profit
  • Continuous improvement
Industries We Serve

Sectors We Specialise In

TEL Academy trains professionals across South Africa's most critical and high-demand industries.

Mining

Rockbreaking, blasting, OHS, mineral processing and mining operations training aligned to MHSA requirements.

Energy

Skills development for South Africa's growing energy sector including electrical, safety and operations training.

Construction

CETA-aligned qualifications and portable skills including bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and electrical wiring.

Transport & Logistics

Supply chain management and TETA-aligned transport qualifications for the logistics and freight sector.

Health & Safety

First Aid, Working at Heights, Confined Space, Fire Fighting and Legal Liability across all industries.

Education & Training

ETDP SETA programmes for Facilitators, Assessors and Moderators working in the training sector.

Our Commitment

Proud Level 1
B-BBEE Contributor

TEL Academy holds a Level 1 B-BBEE rating — the highest possible level. This means partnering with us for your skills development needs not only empowers your workforce, it also maximises your B-BBEE scorecard points in the Skills Development element.

We are committed to transformation, employment equity and the economic empowerment of previously disadvantaged South Africans.

Level 1
B-BBEE Status
135%
B-BBEE Procurement Recognition
20 pts
Skills Development Points Available
100%
Black-Owned
Our Credentials

Accreditation &
Registration Bodies

Every TEL Academy programme is accredited by the relevant national body, ensuring your qualification is recognised by employers across South Africa.

QCTO
Quality Council for Trades & Occupations
Accredited
SAQA
South African Qualifications Authority
Registered
HW SETA
Health & Welfare Sector Education & Training Authority
Accredited
CETA
Construction Education & Training Authority
Accredited
TETA
Transport Education Training Authority
Accredited
ETDP SETA
Education, Training & Development Practices SETA
Accredited
The People Behind TEL

Our Leadership

Experienced professionals dedicated to transforming lives through quality skills development.

Matseliso Links

Matseliso Links

Executive Corporate

Matseliso drives TEL Academy's corporate strategy, partnerships and stakeholder relations. With a passion for transformation and skills development, she ensures the academy remains true to its mission of empowering South Africans.

Solly Tjatji

Solly Tjatji

Executive Operations

Solly oversees the day-to-day operations of TEL Academy, ensuring every programme is delivered to the highest standard. His operational expertise keeps the academy running efficiently across all three provinces.

Our Journey

TEL Academy
Through the Years

From a single province to a national training provider — here is how TEL Academy has grown since 2019.

2019

TEL Academy Founded

Established in Upington, Northern Cape with a focus on mining and safety training for local communities and industry.

2020

SETA Accreditation Achieved

Successfully accredited by HW SETA and CETA, opening the door to nationally recognised qualifications.

2021

Expansion to Gauteng

Opened operations in Johannesburg, Gauteng to serve learners in the country's economic heartland.

2022

Level 1 B-BBEE Status

Achieved the highest B-BBEE rating, cementing our commitment to transformation and inclusive training.

2023–Present

Western Cape & Growing

Extended reach into the Western Cape and continued expanding our programme offering across all sectors.

Join the TEL Academy Family

Thousands of South Africans have transformed their careers with TEL Academy. Your journey starts here.