Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has referred governance and leadership concerns at MICT SETA back to the National Skills Authority (NSA) for review, after developments concerning the organization’s leadership and senior managers.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has stated that the NSA will be asked to conduct an urgent governance review, establish the facts and evaluate the appropriate way that the Minister can intervene.
DHET has noted that the referral is an assessment process, and not an indication of wrongdoing against individuals or organizations.
Why the referral was made
This development follows recent controversies concerning MICT SETA which involves its Accounting Authority and executive management.
Rather than considering the possible reasons behind this set of leadership developments, DHET has asked the NSA to find the relevant facts and determine whether governance procedures were followed correctly.
The process is expected to allow consideration of whether additional action would then need to take place in order to ensure the organization’s stability and functioning.
NSA charged with rapid assessment
The National Skills Authority has been tasked with consulting with relevant stakeholders as part of the assessment.
DHET has added that the NSA is expected to make an initial presentation concerning urgent issues, and then issue a more detailed report which includes recommendations, within the allocated period.
The process allows the Minister to form an idea of the situation based on evidence before taking any measures.
This implies that the outcome of the review has yet to be decided.
Impact on MICT SETA programmes
MICT SETA has a role to play in South Africa’s post-school training environment, in particular with regard to skill development which is relevant to the media, information and communication technologies sector.
DHET has noted that despite the current review, the SETA’s regular work is expected to continue, and includes activities which support learners, employers and skills-development programmes.
Students, unemployed young people and employers who are currently engaging with this organization therefore have cause for reassurance, since the ministry’s statement implies that the review is not likely to result in a suspension of the SETA’s skills-development activities.
That being said, individual programmes do have their own timelines and requirements, and participants should consequently continue to follow the relevant documentation for their own needs.
Government will not comment on matters under review
DHET has announced its decision to avoid commenting on matters which it has referred for assessment.
The way in which the minister responded to this file is significant, since the referral is a tool to ensure that the facts are established.
Minister Manamela has noted that the process is one that should not be regarded as establishing a ruling against an individual or organization.
Instead, the referee has responsibility for examining the concerns with transparency, and will advise the minister regarding the next step that needs to take place.
Broader government focus on SETA governance, accountability
It is worth noting that the MICT SETA assessment is part of DHET’s wider strategy to ensure quality, accountability and efficacy in the work of the various SETAs.
These organizations have an important role to play in South Africa’s skills-development strategy, including providing training and other interventions which address labor-market needs.
The government has emphasized that the objective of this focus area is to ensure that these organizations continue producing the skills which the country needs for growth, industrialization and job creation, in line with the Skills Revolution process.
What learners and employers should do
People who are currently working with MICT SETA should not assume that the review means that their programmes have been terminated or put on hold.
DHET has specifically mentioned that the SETA’s work is expected to continue during this period.
Learners and employers should therefore ensure that they:
Follow the instructions which apply to their particular programmes
Retain any records which they hold relating to application or programme requirements
Pay attention to any announcements which may take place, and follow these carefully
Avoid acting on unconfirmed reports which may circulate on social media
Contact the appropriate authority representing their needs (learners, employers) if they have a specific operations-related query.
Those who are waiting for applications to be approved or programmes to be announced should also make sure that they carefully review the latest developments before submitting documents or providing personal details in connection with these programmes.
No final finding has been announced during this reporting period
The referral to the National Skills Authority for review constitutes the headline development in this particular story, as of this report.
The review is due to establish the facts and evaluate the appropriateness of governance procedures and recommend any corrective interventions where necessary.
No finding has been released in the information which has been supplied to this report as of the time of going to print.
The department has noted that it will take into account the recommended measures before determining whether additional action is needed.
Source
Source: DHET. This report has been produced on the basis of DHET’s statement concerning Minister Buti Manamela’s decision to refer MICT SETA concern to the National Skills Authority.
Editorial policy
This article has been written independently for South African readers on the basis of the information supplied in this statement. In line with journalistic standards, this report draws a distinction between allegations or concerns being investigated, and established wrongdoing. No inferences have been drawn which go beyond what has been stated publicly in this information.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article reflects concerns which are under assessment, and should not be regarded as an indication of proven wrongdoing. Readers are reminded that an indication that an organization, program or individual has been referred for investigation or review does not constitute proof of misconduct. It is recommended that you take official statements and the findings of designated authorities into consideration.
Regarding the SETA programmes which are mentioned, it is worth noting that individual opportunities may have their own requirements and timelines, and application does not necessarily constitute admission, funding approval or an offer of employment in connection with a specific opportunity.
