Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has referred governance and leadership concerns at MICT SETA to the National Skills Authority following recent developments within the SETA’s Accounting Authority and executive management.
As reported by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the NSA will undertake a rapid governance assessment to establish the relevant facts, review applicable governance processes and make recommendations regarding any required intervention.
Such a referral comes as a series of developments have occurred within MICT SETA’s leadership structures, including the departure of senior executives.
Crucially, government has made clear the assessment is not a statement of misconduct or wrongdoing against any person or institution.
MICT SETA governance and leadership matters placed under review by National Skills Authority
NSA to establish the facts
The National Skills Authority has been charged with responsibility for reviewing the relevant matters.
This will include consultation with stakeholders, examination of governance processes and formulation of recommendations that may be required to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the SETA.
DHET expects the NSA to provide an interim update, briefing the relevant officials on urgent matters and submitting a comprehensive report – including recommendations for consideration – within the required timeframe.
The outcome of the assessment will provide the Minister with the basis for determining whether any particular intervention is required.
MICT SETA plays a key role within South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authority structures, providing essential support in terms of skills development activities relating to the media, information and communication technologies sector.
Notably, the SETA’s programmes and services have a direct impact on the ability of various stakeholders, including learners, to obtain support in the form of funding and training. This makes stability in governance and leadership a matter of significant importance in terms of ensuring the capacity of the organisation to deliver its functions.
DHET has said that matters raised by the National Skills Authority must be addressed promptly and objectively, in a manner that conforms with the relevant laws.
MICT SETA programmes are expected to continue
It is understood that the MICT SETA governance assessment will not result in the suspension of the SETA’s skills-development activities.
The DHET has provided assurance to stakeholders that the organisation’s core functions – including those related to learner support and training activities – are expected to continue during the assessment process.
This is critical for learners and employers currently engaged in or applying for MICT SETA-supported programmes which should continue following official announcements.
Learners and employers should remain in contact with the SETA and follow official guidance rather than assuming that the review will have resulted in an automatic cancellation of pending training matters.
In terms of Minister Manamela’s statements, the reference of concerns to the National Skills Authority does not amount to an indication of wrongdoing against any person or institution concerned.
Clearly, the focus of this development is on establishing the relevant facts and addressing any matters found to be pertinent in terms of MICT SETA’s governance mechanisms.
This clarification will be especially relevant once the process concludes, given that the NSA’s assessment will not represent a formal conclusion in terms of any misconduct.
The DHET has also indicated that it will not speculate on matters currently referred to the National Skills Authority.
Government commits to improved SETA governance
The MICT SETA review is reflective of a larger government strategy of driving improvements in terms of SETA governance and organisational effectiveness.
As a key skills-development institution, SETAs contribute directly to the supply of skills in service of South Africa’s development priorities.
In its official statements, government has affirmed its commitment to these bodies operating in a manner that is conducive to supporting national skills-development needs in terms of economic growth, industrialisation and employment.
What learners should know
The most essential context for learners or prospective learners to understand is that, according to the DHET, the operational functions of MICT SETA are not expected to be suspended.
Those involved in or awaiting decisions regarding MICT SETA-related programme applications and opportunities should:
Continue in compliance with relevant programme requirements.
Maintain copies of documentation relating to applications and programme participation for reference.
Remains informed in terms of official MICT SETA and DHET announcements regarding programme developments.
Verify any reported programme matters before acting in accordance with formal guidance.
Avoid speculation and reliance on unconfirmed information and social-media commentary.
The assessment currently facing the MICT SETA does not itself confirm the opening or closure of any particular learnerships, internships, bursaries or training opportunities.
No final outcome announcement on the SETA governance assessment has been confirmed to date.
The NSA will continue to play a key role in this process, with its assessment providing the basis for a response from Minister Manamela and any further interventions that may be implemented in the wake of the report.
Clearly, the outcome of the process will be relevant to those awaiting confirmation regarding training opportunities and learner support. However, the involvement of individual managers and a conclusive assessment of personal conduct would be premature at this stage.
Source
Source: Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The report below is based on information supplied regarding Minister Buti Manamela’s referral of MICT SETA’s governance and leadership concerns to the National Skills Authority.
Editorial policy
This report has been independently researched and produced for South African readers. It distinguishes between established developments and matters still under assessment, and does not seek to confirm allegations or governance concerns expressed by third parties.
No information on individual resignation, accountability or the basis of internal SETA processes has been included without confirmation from the official source.
Disclaimer
A governance assessment or referral is not proof of misconduct or wrongdoing. The matters discussed remain subject to the NSA’s review, and subsequent conclusions reached by the relevant authorities.
Information on MICT SETA programmes may also be subject to developments unrelated to the governance process. Programme-related queries should be directed to official sources prior to reliance on any unofficial communication.
Reader awareness
Readers are advised to remain aware of unconfirmed claims relating to MICT SETA which may circulate on social media or other unofficial platforms, particularly in relation to programme cancellations, opportunities and misconduct allegations.
For information on MICT SETA programmes, rely on confirmed official communication and avoid disclosing personal documents or financial information to unverified parties.
