On Oct. 30, 2025, in Uzwil, Switzerland, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa studied the country’s dual education model and said it could help close skills gaps and ease youth joblessness at home. He toured the BZWU Uzwil Vocational and Further Education Training Center with Swiss President Karin Keller Sutter to see how classroom study and paid workplace training run in tandem. South Africa reports a 45% unemployment rate among people ages 15 to 34, while OECD data puts Swiss youth unemployment at 2.5%.
At BZWU, apprentices as young as 15 showed tasks in automotive and road safety, from changing and balancing a tire to securing loads and testing equipment for safety. Ramaphosa also visited the Bühler AG manufacturing site and apprenticeship center, where he spoke with South Africans employed by the firm, which has pledged training posts linked to bilateral work.
The state visit sought deeper ties in trade, investment, skills, and science. The leaders noted the return of Nkuna Royal Family artifacts. Trade totaled R18.2 billion in 2024, with Switzerland ranked as South Africa’s 30th largest export market.
At BZWU, apprentices as young as 15 showed tasks in automotive and road safety, from changing and balancing a tire to securing loads and testing equipment for safety. Ramaphosa also visited the Bühler AG manufacturing site and apprenticeship center, where he spoke with South Africans employed by the firm, which has pledged training posts linked to bilateral work.
The state visit sought deeper ties in trade, investment, skills, and science. The leaders noted the return of Nkuna Royal Family artifacts. Trade totaled R18.2 billion in 2024, with Switzerland ranked as South Africa’s 30th largest export market.
