The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Services SETA have officially turned the sod on the African Skin Health Initiative, ARISE, a first-of-its-kind facility on the continent aimed at strengthening skills development, research and innovation in skin and hair science.

The sod-turning ceremony, held at UCT on Friday, marks the start of construction of the purpose-built ARISE facility and signals a strategic collaboration within South Africa’s post-school education and training sector.

Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Services SETA Administrator Mr Lehlogonolo Masoga, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela and Services SETA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Sibusiso Dhladhla.

ARISE is designed to advance national priorities linked to youth employment, skills development and innovation-led growth.

Through its flagship diploma and related training programmes, the initiative will equip unemployed science graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills and structured workplace experience.

Masoga announced a R100 million investment by Services SETA towards the development of the ARISE building, describing the project as transformative.

“This initiative is not merely about constructing a facility, but about establishing a centre that will embody deep-rooted scientific research and drive transformation within an industry that has long been overlooked,” Masoga said.

He added that the partnership would strengthen scientific advancement in the personal care sector while stimulating economic growth and collaboration.

“The ultimate goal of this initiative is to build an ecosystem that transforms the lives of young people by creating opportunities for innovation, employment, and entrepreneurship,” he said.

At the heart of ARISE is the Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science, which blends academic learning with workplace-based training in line with the country’s shift towards occupational qualifications.

Deputy Minister Gondwe said the sod-turning symbolised more than the start of construction.

“We are here to turn intention into infrastructure. This sod-turning ceremony is not merely ceremonial in nature. It symbolises a commitment to progress. It says we are investing in skills. We are strengthening institutions. We are expanding productive capacity,” she said.

Dhladhla said the project would expand South Africa’s technical capabilities in the sector.

“This new capacity will raise skills, protect consumers, support entrepreneurs, and help South Africa become a leader in skin and hair science in Africa,” he said.

Professor Lionel Green-Thompson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT, described the project as a significant milestone for the faculty.

“This SETA funding opens new and innovative vistas for UCT’s skin health research and teaching on the continent, as well as developing exciting career opportunities for local science graduates,” he said.

Based within UCT’s Division of Dermatology, ARISE focuses on research, training and industry engagement in skin and hair health relevant to African populations.

The new facility will expand capacity for applied research, cosmetic product safety testing, occupational skin health research and practical, industry-aligned training.

It will also enable a higher intake of students, broaden short course offerings and strengthen UCT’s industry-facing service units.

The initiative builds on nearly a decade of research, postgraduate training and industry collaboration.

Its Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science is the first graduate qualification for the cosmetic industry in South Africa and has already trained more than 100 graduates, many of whom were previously unemployed.

With construction now under way, ARISE transitions from a successful pilot to a scalable national platform, positioning South Africa at the forefront of African-relevant skin and hair health research and training.

IOL News

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