By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education said it welcomes the briefing from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) regarding the appointments of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) board members. The committee said it has acknowledged the progress made by some SETAs, such as achieving clean audit reports, but emphasised that others still require significant improvements in their governance systems.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Tebogo Letsie said the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, informed them that the Skills Development Act is among the key pieces of legislation targeted by her department for amendment in the near future. Letsie said according to the DHET, the National Skills Authority assessed SETA boards to evaluate their effectiveness in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.
“The study revealed that there are 315 board member positions across all 21 SETAs, with each SETA comprising 15 members as per the standard SETA Constitution.
“The DHET also highlighted that board members generally possess high levels of educational qualifications, which align with the specific skills and knowledge required for effective governance within their respective sectors,” he said.
Letsie further said there have been cases where SETA board members’ frequent attendance at meetings involved substantial travel and accommodation expenses. He added that this is concerning and to address these measures, lifestyle audits should be implemented to ensure transparency and reinforce boards’ commitment to public service.
“We implore the DHET to ensure the appointment of ethical board members for SETAs. We do not want individuals who view this as an opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of the sector. Instead, they must see this sector as a vehicle for uplifting young people and driving meaningful change.”
“SETAs must critically review their annual performance plans to ensure they are not merely target-driven exercises but are instead informed by the country’s needs and aligned with the aspirations of young people,” said Letsie.
The Guardian 