Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has officially confirmed the appointment of new Accounting Authorities (AAs) for all Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). The appointments came into effect on 30 September 2025 and mark a significant step in strengthening governance within the skills development sector.
The establishment of these Accounting Authorities is expected to bring greater stability, accountability and continuity in the execution of SETA mandates. Their first priority has been to ensure that leadership remains intact across the various SETAs.
Key Actions by the New Accounting Authorities:
- Recommending and appointing interim Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to avoid leadership gaps following the expiry of contracts at the end of September 2025.
- Beginning the recruitment and selection process for permanent CEOs, in line with the Skills Development Act and the SETA Standard Constitution.
Manamela also confirmed that the department is finalising the appointment of chairpersons for the new Accounting Authorities, with announcements expected soon.
“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,” Manamela said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Minister expressed his confidence in the newly appointed members, wishing them success in their roles and assuring them of the department’s full support in carrying out their mandate.
He further highlighted that the new Accounting Authorities reflect a strong balance of demographics, gender equality, youth representation, and inclusion of historically disadvantaged groups.
“Members also bring expertise spanning organised labour, business, community development, professional bodies, government, and higher education institutions. This ensures that the SETAs’ governance structures are not only inclusive but also grounded in the technical and sectoral knowledge required to advance South Africa’s skills revolution,” Manamela said.
