Setas 'need to focus on their developmental roles'

(Image: GCIS)

Speaking after meeting the chairmen of all 21 Setas in Johannesburg, Nzimande said Setas were overly focused on accreditation and compliance at the expense of a deeper understanding of the economic sectors in which they operated.

This was the first meeting between Nzimande and Seta heads since Parliament approved the amended Skills Development Act last week.

The amendment, once implemented, will give the national Department of Higher Education and Training more oversight over strategic plans and reporting mechanisms, as well as the right to set standardised constitutions.

Nzimande said a preliminary analysis of the Setas' draft strategic plans and budgets had identified major gaps that showed a lack of clarity and alignment between the plans and budgets.

Legal challenge

There was no alignment with the goals of the national skills development strategies or other government priorities within the Setas' respective sectors, while budgets lacked targets, he said.

Earlier this year the Department of Higher Education and Training faced a legal challenge over the standardisation of constitutions, with Labour Court Judge Annelie Basson ruling that Nzimande did not have the legal authority to impose a new constitution on the Services Seta, and that the constitution he had tried to enforce was in breach of the Skills Development Act.

However, Nzimande said yesterday that he was "hopeful" the National Council of Provinces would concur with this legislation, allowing it to be presented to the Presidency "as a priority".

Research manager at the Council for Education Policy Development Michelle Buchler said it was unclear what effect a centralisation of oversight by the department would have on the performance of Setas, but conceded the system lacked the necessary accountability.

Setas have had 'too much money, free rein for too long'

Major improvements would be unlikely in the short term, as most Setas needed more capacity at systems and delivery levels, Buchler said.

Education analyst Graeme Bloch said the move would likely be beneficial as centralisation of the system was necessary. The Setas had had "too much money and have had a free rein too long", Prof Bloch said.

If the Setas where to fulfil the role envisioned for them by the government, they would need to be much more interactive with the needs of labour and other institutions, Bloch said. "It was probably a mistake to give them a mandate and leave them to find their own way."

Nzimande said it should be remembered that the skills development resources made possible by the 1% levy on medium to large companies made it possible to transform SA's entire skills development profile, something many countries would envy.

From next year Setas would be directed to come up with "very concrete plans" to respond to some of the government's most urgent projects, he said.

Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge