Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has referred governance and leadership concerns at the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) to the National Skills Authority (NSA) for assessment.
The move follows recent developments involving the SETA's Accounting Authority and executive management, including the resignation of senior executives.
National Skills Authority To Assess MICT SETA Governance
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the National Skills Authority has been instructed to conduct a rapid governance assessment to establish the facts surrounding the matter.
The assessment will evaluate governance processes and recommend any interventions needed to protect institutional stability, service delivery and good governance at the MICT SETA.
The department said the review is necessary because of the important role the MICT SETA plays in South Africa's post-school education and training system.
“Accordingly, the Minister has referred the matter to the National Skills Authority to conduct a rapid governance assessment and advise on a way forward. The assessment will establish the relevant facts, evaluate governance processes, and identify any interventions necessary to safeguard institutional stability, service delivery, and good governance,” the department said.
Report And Recommendations Expected
The Department of Higher Education and Training said the Minister expects the National Skills Authority to engage with all relevant stakeholders during the assessment.
The NSA will provide an interim briefing on urgent matters before submitting a comprehensive report with recommendations within the prescribed timeframe.
The findings will help determine whether any further action is required.
Strengthening Governance Across SETAs
The referral forms part of government's broader efforts to strengthen governance, accountability and institutional effectiveness across South Africa's Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
According to the department, this work supports the implementation of the country's Skills Revolution, which aims to ensure SETAs remain focused on developing the skills needed to support economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.
“The objective is to ensure that every SETA remains focused on its core mandate of developing the skills required for inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and employment creation,” the department explained.
No Findings Have Been Made
Minister Manamela emphasised that the referral should not be viewed as a finding of wrongdoing against any individual or institution.
He said the decision reflects “government’s commitment to resolving governance concerns through transparent, fair and evidence-based processes.”
The department added that it will not speculate on matters currently under assessment and will wait for the National Skills Authority's recommendations before deciding on any further action.
Skills Development Programmes To Continue
DHET has assured learners, employers and other stakeholders that the MICT SETA will continue delivering its services while the governance assessment is underway.
According to the department, support for learners, employers and skills development programmes is expected to continue without disruption during the review process.
