Pretoria: Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called on newly appointed Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Accounting Authorities and Chief Executive Officers to drive a governance and performance reset. Addressing the induction of SETA Accounting Authorities and CEOs in Boksburg on Thursday, Manamela warned that institutions failing to uphold accountability and public trust will face consequences.
According to South African Government News Agency, the appointments carry significant public responsibility, as the institutions oversee substantial public resources and play a critical role in developing South Africa's workforce. Manamela emphasized that these appointments are not merely administrative honors but public duties that will determine whether South Africa builds the capabilities it needs to industrialize, create work, raise productivity, and become a more equal society.
The induction follows an engagement with the National Skills Authority (NSA) on June 30, during which the government agreed to embark on a governance and performance reset for the SETA system. Manamela stated that political leadership would remain actively engaged in the sector to prevent institutional drift, weak governance, and poor performance.
The Minister highlighted that South Africa's persistent unemployment, inequality, low economic growth, technological disruption, and skills shortages require more than incremental improvements, advocating for a "Skills Revolution." This programme aims to reorganize the country's skills development system around economic and developmental needs by focusing on measurable employment, productivity, and developmental outcomes.
Manamela stressed that SETAs should be seen as strategic economic institutions responsible for aligning workplace learning with industry demand rather than just grant-disbursing agencies or bursary administrators. Their success will be measured by their ability to close skills gaps, expand workplace-based learning, strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and community colleges, support workers adapting to technological change, and improve access to sustainable employment.
Highlighting the importance of good governance, Manamela warned that governance failures ultimately harm learners, employers, and communities. He cautioned Accounting Authorities against interfering in management and warned executives against withholding information from boards or creating parallel centers of power.
The Minister announced an expanded role for the National Skills Authority, describing it as the "evidence engine, consultation engine, and governance conscience" of the country's skills development system. He emphasized that no SETA or official will be allowed to ignore or obstruct the NSA in carrying out its lawful responsibilities.
Manamela outlined five commitments expected from all SETA Accounting Authorities and Chief Executive Officers, which include recognizing governance as a public duty, cooperating fully with oversight institutions, focusing on measurable outcomes, working as one integrated post-school education and training system, and aligning their work with the national Skills Revolution.
