Minister Buti Manamela Announces New SETA Accounting Authorities to Boost Skills Development

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has announced the full constitution and appointment of Accounting Authorities for all 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities, effective from 30 September 2025. This step is a big win for steady leadership in the skills sector, making sure these bodies keep running smoothly to meet their goals. The new teams have already started work on key tasks, like picking temporary chief executives and kicking off hunts for permanent ones. With chairpersons set to be named soon, this move aims to make skills training line up better with the country’s needs, like creating jobs and growing the economy.

This comes at a time when South Africa is pushing hard to fix skills gaps that hold back growth. SETAs play a key role in training people for work in different fields, from farming to tech. The appointments show a mix of people from all walks of life, including more women, young folks, and those from groups that faced tough times before. Experts say this could help make training fairer and more useful for everyone. As the government works towards big goals like a just shift to green energy, these new leaders will help shape how skills build a stronger nation.

Key First Steps for the New Accounting Authorities

Right after getting appointed, the Accounting Authorities jumped into action. Their top job was to suggest interim chief executives to fill any gaps, as some CEO contracts ended in September 2025. This makes sure there is no break in running the SETAs, keeping programmes on track for learners and workers.

They are also starting the search for full-time CEOs, following rules in the Skills Development Act and the SETA Standard Constitution. This careful process looks for leaders who can handle the big tasks ahead, like linking training to what businesses need. Deputy Minister Manamela said the department is speeding up picks for chairpersons, with news coming soon to complete the teams.

These early moves show the focus on keeping things stable while pushing for better results. With SETAs handling billions in funds each year, strong bosses are key to using money well and reaching more people.

Balanced Teams for Fairer Skills Training

The new Accounting Authorities bring a good mix of faces and skills to the table. There is a strong push for gender balance, with more women in top spots than before. Young people and those from groups hit hard by the past also get a bigger say, making sure different views shape decisions.

Members come from organised labour, business, community groups, professional bodies, government, and schools. This wide range means they understand real-world needs, from factory floors to classrooms. Manamela said this setup makes SETAs more inclusive and tied to what the country wants, like more jobs and green growth.

For example, in sectors like mining or tourism, these teams can spot skills shortages and fund training that fits. This could help cut joblessness, especially among youth, by matching what people learn to what employers want.

Aligning Skills with National Goals

Manamela highlighted how the new setup gives a fresh chance to make SETAs work better. “The new governance cycle for SETAs provides an opportunity to strengthen accountability, improve performance, and align skills development more closely with the national priorities of job creation, industrialisation, the just energy transition, and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

SETAs are vital for training that drives the economy forward. They fund learnerships, apprenticeships, and short courses in 21 fields, from health to engineering. With South Africa facing high joblessness and skills mismatches, these bodies help bridge the gap. The just energy shift, moving from coal to green power, needs new skills like solar tech or wind farm work, and SETAs can step up here.

The minister wished the new teams luck and promised full backing from the department. This support includes help with rules and funds to make sure SETAs deliver on their plans.

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