Manamela orders 3 SETAs to publish 90-day stabilisation plan

JOHANNESBURG - Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has directed three embattled SETAs to publish a 90-day stabilisation plan with clear and measurable indicators.

Manamela’s demand is the latest attempt to address inefficiencies at the sector education and training authorities (SETAs).

Administrators were appointed to the construction SETA, services SETA and local government SETA last week but the process has again been marred by claims of irregularities.

This is the second controversy since former higher education minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, was booted from office for mishandling SETA board appointments.

In addition to calling on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to vet the newly appointed administrators, Manamela said that governance reforms would be closely monitored by Parliament.

Spokesperson to the minister of higher education and training, Matshepo Seedat: "Our priority is to stabilise governance in these SETAs, protect public funds, and strengthen confidence in the skills development system. By involving the Public Service Commission in this process, we are adding an extra layer of integrity to ensure that the focus remains on delivering skills for South Africa’s youth and workers. The minister trusts that these additional steps will address public concerns, reinforce oversight, and ensure that SETAs are able to deliver effectively on their critical mandate."