South Africa is one of the largest producers of explosives in the world. The production of explosives is driven by the mines’ need for explosives to produce the commodities needed by the economy. South Africa used to offer a diploma in explosives technology, but this qualification was discontinued in 1996. Currently some qualifications in explosives management are being presented, but these qualifications do not fulfil the industry's need for technical education in explosives. The South African explosives industry reports that they need technical education in explosives. Because the explosives industry is relatively small in terms of personnel numbers, tertiary educational institutions are hesitant to establish a degree in explosives engineering or a similar qualification. The aim of the research conducted was to try and quantify this need as well as to give guidance to the structure of the explosives engineering qualifications. During the study representatives from all the role-players in the industry were interviewed. Further information was gathered by means of a questionnaire. This data were combined and analysed and it was found that there is a definite need for a diploma in explosives engineering, an undergraduate degree in explosives engineering as well as post graduate qualifications in this discipline. The research has shown that there is a good possibility that these qualifications would be sustainable considering the growth in the South African explosives industry, as well as the growth in the African mining market. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

South Africa is one of the largest producers of explosives in the world. The production of explosives is driven by the mines’ need for explosives to produce the commodities needed by the economy. South Africa used to offer a diploma in explosives technology, but this qualification was discontinued in 1996. Currently some qualifications in explosives management are being presented, but these qualifications do not fulfil the industry's need for technical education in explosives. The South African explosives industry reports that they need technical education in explosives. Because the explosives industry is relatively small in terms of personnel numbers, tertiary educational institutions are hesitant to establish a degree in explosives engineering or a similar qualification. The aim of the research conducted was to try and quantify this need as well as to give guidance to the structure of the explosives engineering qualifications. During the study representatives from all the role-players in the industry were interviewed. Further information was gathered by means of a questionnaire. This data were combined and analysed and it was found that there is a definite need for a diploma in explosives engineering, an undergraduate degree in explosives engineering as well as post graduate qualifications in this discipline. The research has shown that there is a good possibility that these qualifications would be sustainable considering the growth in the South African explosives industry, as well as the growth in the African mining market. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014