Evaluation of Sectoral Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)

Meeting report

The Committee discussed the evaluation and assessment of SETAs especially Construction, Energy, Media and Advertising and the Public Services SETA’s, currently in distress.

The Committee reflected on its financial non compliance and strategies. Members discussed essential issues on the National Skill’s Fund, engaging with them on the process, and the MERSETA (Manufacture Engineering & related Sector Education Authority) conference taking place on 6 May 2010. Flight arrangements were discussed.

A request by the Department of Correctional Services to the Higher Education and Training Committee to join their meeting on the issue of skills was scheduled on the same morning.

Discussion
Ms N Y Vukuza (COPE) confirmed receiving an e-mail on the MERSETA conference but was confused not only the attendance arrangements but, the logistics between MERSETA offices itself, its members and administration. Tighter admin and circulation of information was critical, and formally requested action be taken to correct it.

Ms F F Mushwana (ANC) agreed and she formally requested an end to communication glitches.

Ms N Gina (ANC) followed, questioning why direct communication in the future is not considered.

The Chairman called for a show of hands on who had not been informed or, had not received information on the MERSETA conference, due to commence the following day. All members had not received notice of the conference. He said Secretary Mr Anele Kabingesi will be taken to task to avoid repeating this, as it has been raised on two prior occasions with oversight as well as draft issues. He assured members it will not happen again and requested members to obtain the necessary information from Mr Kabingesi directly after the meeting. Alternatively, in future a tracking system of forms and communications would be implemented, he said.

Mr Kabingesi responded with information on an issue of an International study tour, not referring to the issue of inadequate administration and information processes.

Ms Vukuza said the committee of 13 members should look at growth in a more constructive way. Members should understand and know their responsibilities, and what their expectations might be, and to have more one-to-one interaction with the secretary.

Mr G Lekgetho (ANC) said he knows most of MERSETA as very fine people, but when it comes to locations and contact numbers, the secretary does not listen. It is critical for members to know who they are.

The Chairperson then led the discussion to essential issues with regard to the 23 SETAs, the National Skills Fund and its lack of alignment with the skills development agenda of the country.

Ms S Z Makhubele (ANC) was concerned about the under spending, the nature of the funding and the lack of commitment at provincial level. He recommended the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) be restructured, not excluding legislative process to drive the process forward.

Ms Vukuza (COPE) agreed with Mr Makhubele in that it was imperative that the programmes and conditions and processes are achievable in terms of the mandate, despite the shifting of functions by the Director General. Each department should have a skills portfolio in it, prioritise it in terms of shortage, and be answerable for it.

Mr G G Boinamo (DA) suggested the SETAs be relocated to the industries where it will be better managed, or to pour the funds into the FET colleges. He recommended putting the brakes on the SETAs, and refocusing on identifying where in South Africa skills were short.

Mr Lekgetho said how well KwaZulu Natal was doing in terms of disbursing as opposed to the other provinces. He compared it to sitting on a time bomb and demanded the underperforming provinces be challenged. He agreed that the 23 SETA’s be reduced to 21 to increase capacity.

Ms Mushwana agreed with the FET suggestion but not with moving it into the industries.

Ms WJ Nelson (ANC) resolved that considering all recommendations and suggestions made, she proposes taking it forward to the Department by way of a workshop, conference or round table discussion.

Chairperson summarised and appointed a task team comprising himself, Mr Makhubele and Ms N Y Vukuza to meet, prepare a draft to be presented in two weeks and report back to members. All members agreed.

The meeting was adjourned.