Pretoria: Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela has announced the full constitution and appointment of Accounting Authorities (AAs) for all Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), effective from 30 September 2025. The appointments mark a key milestone in stabilising governance across the skills development sector and ensuring continuity in the execution of SETA mandates.
According to South African Government News Agency, the newly appointed Accounting Authorities have already begun their duties by recommending and appointing interim Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). This move is aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum due to the expiration of CEO contracts at the end of September 2025. Additionally, the recruitment and selection process for permanent CEOs is underway, adhering to the provisions of the Skills Development Act and the SETA Standard Constitution.
Deputy Minister Manamela highlighted the department’s efforts to expedite the appointment of chairpersons for the new Accounting Authorities, with further announcements expected soon. He emphasized that the new governance cycle for SETAs presents an opportunity to enhance accountability, improve performance, and align skills development with national priorities such as job creation, industrialisation, the just energy transition, and inclusive economic growth.
Manamela expressed his best wishes to the new appointees, assuring them of the department’s full support in fulfilling the skills development mandate. He noted that the composition of the Accounting Authorities reflects a balanced demographic and professional profile, including gender balance, strong youth representation, and participation from historically disadvantaged groups.
The new members bring expertise from diverse sectors, including organised labour, business, community development, professional bodies, government, and higher education institutions. This ensures that the SETAs’ governance structures are inclusive and grounded in the technical and sectoral knowledge required to propel South Africa’s skills revolution.