From the small town of Flagstaff in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mihle Mvelakubi, WorldSkills Champions Trust Representative for Africa, has forged an inspiring path through skills. Having represented South Africa in Bricklaying at the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, his journey demonstrates a powerful truth: true brilliance is born from persistence in the face of doubt and shaped through unwavering dedication.

Rising through adversity: from “slow learner” to WorldSkills champion

Mihle’s early journey was marked by challenges. In Grade 7, he moved to Cape Town with his parents. Unfamiliar with the local language, Afrikaans, he struggled at school and had to repeat a year. Labelled a “slow learner,” he was advised to join the School of Skills to avoid further difficulties in mainstream education. Although this advice seemed like a step back at the time, it unexpectedly opened another door for him.

“The focus was working with hands rather than pure academics, although the curriculum also included maths, languages, and other mainstream subjects,” Mihle says. At the School of Skills, he found where he truly belonged. Four years of learning bricklaying helped him discover his talent. After completing the course, he was eager to continue his studies and determined to join a VET college to pursue levels 2, 3, and 4 in building and civil engineering. However, he was met with disdain and discouraged to enroll by the administration on the basis that previous students coming from the School of Skills had been unsuccessful.

“I had to beg, I had to cry because I wanted to further my studies,” says Mihle. His persistence finally persuaded the administration, but an even greater challenge awaited him. After failing his first-term exams, he began to doubt himself, but the setback also reignited his determination. “So I studied harder and made it to the top three of my class in the following exams.”

The turning point came when he was introduced to WorldSkills. His teacher, Mr Fatah, was looking for Competitors and saw Mihle’s potential. Among the freshmen at college — having been fully trained at the School of Skills — Mihle was the only one who was already a good bricklayer. “He told me I could represent the country at the international level. He said, ‘Let’s try this and see where it takes us.’ And he said that he was sure I would win.”

With targeted training, Mihle progressed from provincial, to regional, and finally national competitions, earning a reputation as the “Competitor from Cape Town”. He was ultimately selected to represent South Africa at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, where he proved his abilities on the global stage.

Mission of the Global Dream Ambassador: a firm belief in championing skills education

“My motto is, once you have a skill, you will never go hungry. You can find work anywhere without waiting,” Mihle says. This belief reflects his deep understanding of the value of skills.

“As a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai, I carry great responsibility. It means I must speak up for young skilled professionals,” Mihle says. He adds that he will do his utmost to ensure young people’s voices are heard, help them develop a positive understanding of skills, and recognize the importance of skills.

Although he was once looked down upon because he attended the School of Skills, Mihle always believes that experience made him who he is today. “I really wish that the School of Skills was not taken for granted. I am  getting stronger and stronger every day because of it”

Mihle is now a trainer at a VET college and the owner of a bricklaying business. He hopes to drive systemic changes in the education system, improve transition mechanisms between the Schools of Skills and VET colleges, and create smoother learning pathways to help students bridge knowledge gaps across different levels.

His message to WorldSkills Shanghai: showcasing the power of human focus, innovation and craftsmanship

Looking ahead to the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai, Mihle is full of anticipation: “I am very excited about WorldSkills Shanghai, and I hope to represent the voices of all young people participating.”

He shares a heartfelt message for Competitors, “When you stand among the world’s best young skilled professionals, you have already achieved something remarkable. Every hour of training, every challenge you have overcome, every moment you chose to persist when it was difficult — all of it has brought you here.”

Mihle emphasizes that the Competition is about more than winning medals. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of human focus, innovation and craftsmanship. “You have shown that passion and hard work can transform talent into excellence. You represent the future of your industries. You are role models for millions of young people, and the pride for your families, mentors and countries.”

He encourages Competitors to “compete with courage, respect and joy,” and reminds them, “No matter the outcome, remember that you already perform at a world-class level. Give your best, support one another, and show the world what the next generation of skilled professionals can achieve.”

From a small South African town to the global stage, Mihle Mvelakubi has shown through his skills journey what perseverance can achieve. As a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai, he will continue to prove to the world that skills can not only change an individual’s destiny but also create endless possibilities for society. In this era of opportunity, every young person with a skills dream deserves to be seen, encouraged, and empowered.