SETAs pass audit checks

© Lulama Nare – 123RF.com

“Thirteen SETAs received unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor General, implying that the SETA had findings on predetermined objectives and/or compliance. In addition, there were eight SETAs that received clean audit opinions, implying that there were no findings on predetermined objectives and compliance,” said NSA chairperson Lulama Nare.

The NSA also congratulated all 21 SETAs and their boards on achieving unqualified audit opinions for the financial year.

“We further commend all the SETAs for their continued commitment to addressing the national skills development imperatives through strengthened governance, improved performance, accountability and transparency,” Nare said.

The Skills Development Act (SDA) states that SETAs must use the money received only in the prescribed manner, prepare annual budgets, annual reports and financial statements.

The Auditor General must audit the accounts, financial statements and report to the Minister of Higher Education. The report must express an opinion on whether the SETAs have complied with the provisions of the SDA.

Acting NSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, said as part of its board capacity building programme, the NSA enrolled its members on a Monitoring and Evaluation course to build capacity.

Mashongoane said in July 2017, seven NSA board members successfully completed the Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation in the field of Public Development Sector Monitoring and Evaluation (PDM M&E) at the Wits School of Governance.

“I am proud to mention that the members were very committed to ensure that they successfully completed the programme. This was evident in their performance as most of the members passed their modules with an average above 80%,” Mashongoane said.