BusinessLive reports that the government is looking to reduce the number of sector education and training authorities (Setas) as part of broader plans to revamp the post-school education and training system.
There are currently 21 Setas, which cover all work sectors. They are tasked with creating opportunities in the form of internships, skills programmes and apprenticeships and they control billions of rand via a skills levy derived from employers. However, the Setas have often been criticised for inefficiency, being a haven for corruption and for enrolling ghost students. They have also come under fire for failing to address the country’s skills deficit. Officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training told MPs on Wednesday that as part of plans to improve efficiency and avoid duplication, there was a proposal to reduce the number of Setas. It could result in Setas that focus on similar sectors merging, such as the AgriSeta and the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Seta, as well as the finance, banking and insurance Setas. A government gazette in this regard would be issued for public comment in 2018, in order to gazette the legislation and institutional arrangements by 2019.
- Read this report by Bekezela Phakathi in full at BusinessLive
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