UXi Artisan Development (Pty) Ltd has announced the acquisition of the former Telkom Centre for Learning in Olifantsfontein (Clayville East), Gauteng. The 24.7-hectare property, acquired through a Telkom SA auction, includes more than 23,500 m² of purpose-built education and training facilities.
The group plans to redevelop the campus into a work-integrated vocational education and innovation Hub, making use of the existing lecture halls, classrooms, workshops and accommodation facilities. Planned upgrades will include modern hybrid learning environments, artisan workshops, agricultural training infrastructure and sustainable campus improvements, developed in collaboration with industry and education partners.
“The former Telkom campus is an iconic Gauteng asset, and we are excited to give it a new purpose,” said Elsie Harmse, Chief Executive Officer of UXi Artisan Development. “Its strategic location between Johannesburg, Midrand and OR Tambo International Airport makes it ideally suited to become a multi-disciplinary vocational training hub. Our vision is to create one of South Africa’s leading centres for artisan, technical and business skills development, helping prepare future generations for meaningful employment and supporting industry with skilled professionals.”
The acquisition aligns with Telkom’s strategy of unlocking value from non-core assets while enabling new investment and economic development. UXi Artisan Development, the parent company of Africa Skills Training and Management (Pty) Ltd, currently operates 18 vocational training campuses across South Africa and has extensive experience in developing specialised education facilities.
Once operational, the new Africa Skills campus will offer an integrated environment for theoretical learning, practical training and workplace experience. The existing landscaped grounds and security infrastructure will be retained while the campus is redeveloped in phases.
Construction and refurbishment work is expected to commence shortly, with phased openings planned during 2026 and 2027. Details regarding student enrolments will be announced in due course. The campus is expected to offer more than 20 artisan qualifications, close to 200 accredited occupational qualifications, Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) gap training, and trade testing across multiple disciplines.
About UXi Artisan Development
UXi Artisan Development is a private vocational education and training group committed to equipping South Africans with practical, industry-relevant skills that lead to sustainable employment and economic growth. Through its accredited campuses across the country, the group delivers hands-on vocational qualifications in high-demand fields including Electricaians, Mechanical Fitter, Millwright, Welding, Plumbing, Solar Installation, Automotive, Diesel Mechanic, Agriculture, Business, Hospitality and Healthcare. The organisation works closely with industry to ensure its programmes align with South Africa’s workforce development priorities.
If you would like to partner with, sponsor, donate to, or contribute towards the development of what is set to become Africa’s largest artisan education and training institution, we invite you to connect with us to explore collaboration opportunities, including potential Section 18A tax benefits through our NPC partners and other qualifying corporate social investment initiatives.