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 referral follows recent developments relating to the SETA's Accounting Authority and executive management, including the resignation of senior executives.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the National Skills Authority has been tasked with conducting a rapid governance assessment to establish the relevant facts, evaluate governance processes and recommend any interventions required to safeguard institutional stability, service delivery, and good governance.
The department stressed the importance of ensuring that governance issues are addressed promptly, objectively and in accordance with the law, given the strategic role of MICT SETA within 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.
The department said the Minister expects the National Skills Authority to engage all relevant stakeholders, and provide an interim briefing on urgent matters, followed by a comprehensive report with recommendations within the prescribed timeframe.
The referral forms part of the department’s broader programme to strengthen governance, accountability and institutional effectiveness across the Sector Education and Training Authorities, as government advances the implementation of the Skills
Revolution.
“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.
Manamela emphasised that the referral should not be interpreted as a finding against any individual or institution but rather reflects “government’s commitment to resolving governance concerns through transparent, fair and evidence-based processes.”
The department said it will not speculate on matters subject of assessment and will consider the National Skills Authority's recommendations before deciding whether any further action is necessary.
It also assured stakeholders that the work of MICT SETA's, including support to learners, employers and skills development programmes, is expected to continue without interruption during the process. – SAnews.gov.za
