The government wants to know what you think? The Setas, Sector Education and Training Authorities, have been around since 1999 and are tasked with co-ordinating and promoting workplace skills-based training and development.
By Alan Hammond
There are currently 21 Setas, each focused on a particular section of the economy. Each of the organisations has its own offices, staff, procedures and protocols. Some have done very well, some less well, and some not well at all.
One of the arguments made to improve efficiency in this area is to combine some of the Setas that work in similar areas. The process of planning for changes started in 2015 under the previous Minister, and the Setas as they stand were extended to operate until 31st March 2020.
Now the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Naledi Pandor, wants to know what you think.
Changes to the Seta structure, which is referred to as the Seta Landscape, propose that the number of Setas would be reduced to 15. This would be done by combining Setas covering similar areas, such as all the finance-related organisations, as well as the food and agriculture Setas, and the government-employee related Setas.
The principles underpinning the new proposals include that the bodies are fit for purpose, cover all sectors of the economy, viability of the proposed Setas, and covering sectors in a value chain in one organisation.
The Minister has called for public comments on the proposals, which should reach her department by the 20th September 2018.
You can view the 
official proposal here, the contact details for submissions are also included. A timeframe of 21 working days from the 22nd of August 2018 has been specified.
