The Public Servants Association (PSA) is advocating for a complete overhaul of South Africa’s seta landscape. The union’s stance on the sector comes as the country reviews the management system behind skills-development entities.
PSA wants reforms to seta structures with a focus on accountability, with specific emphasis placed on skills-development and employment outcomes.
Here is what you need to know.
PSA Wants Organised Labour Involved in SETA Review
The Public Servants Association (PSA) wants a say in the proposed restructuring of the South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (setas).
The union’s position is that consultation should take place with organised labour, should government choose to intervene.
PSA argues that workers and their unions should be able to contribute meaningfully to the process.
This is a critical consideration, given the possible impact on both setas and employees.
PSA is also of the view that consultation should be an ongoing process, and should not take place in isolation of proposed interventions.
PSA Sets Employment Security Conditions for SETA Restructuring
In addition to its general stance on consultation, the PSA is advocating for employment security in the context of seta restructuring.
In this regard, the union is arguing against mass lay-offs as a condition of seta restructuring.
PSA’s position recognises the potential impact of seta restructuring on workers.
While the focus of the skills-development debate is often on learners, it is important to remember that existing employees may also be negatively affected by organisational reshuffling.
PSA Argues Against Restructuring Without Evidence-Based Research into Sector Requirements
One of the arguments made by the PSA in its stance on seta restructuring is that proposed interventions should be informed by research into sector requirements.
The union’s position is that restructuring should be informed by an understanding of skills-development needs in specific economic sectors.
For learners and employers, this is a critical consideration.
After all, the value of any skills-development initiative ultimately depends on its ability to provide relevant skills that meet industry requirements.
PSA Wants Enhanced Fiduciary Integrity Within the SETA Framework
The PSA’s position on seta restructuring also includes specific demands in relation to fiduciary integrity and whistleblower protection.
The union’s stance recognises the importance of accountability in the management of setas, and the need for enhanced financial governance within the framework.
By raising the issue of financial mismanagement and its related sanctions, PSA highlights the importance of accountability in skills-development.
Skills-development funds are meant to serve a specific public purpose, which informs the union’s argument in favour of enhanced financial governance.
PSA Emphasises Need for Enhanced Employment Outcomes From SETA Programmes
At the heart of the PSA’s position on seta restructuring is its underlying philosophy on skills-development.
According to this stance, skills-development should be geared towards enhanced employment outcomes.
The union is arguing for a skills-development system that facilitates easier access to the labour market for young South Africans.
PSA’s position on seta restructuring is a reminder that skills-development should serve a specific public purpose.
Ultimately, a skills-development system is only fit for purpose if it can be shown to have a positive impact on employment outcomes.
SETA Reform Debate Takes Place Against Broader Government Policy
PSA’s position on seta restructuring informs its general stance on skills-development.
However, the union’s input into the seta debate takes place within a broader policy environment, which includes government interventions in this area.
According to reports, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela have also called for improvements to the seta system.
There is a general sense of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in terms of skills-development in South Africa, which has led to increased scrutiny of the setas.
This includes questions about governance, administrative capacity, and the extent to which setas contribute to meeting the country’s skills-development needs.
Recent debates have also highlighted the need for improved dual training, including apprenticeship-type models.
What This Means for Learners, Unemployed Graduates and Job Seekers
For the average job seeker, the single most important consideration when it comes to setas is whether these entities can actually help them find work.
A properly reformed seta system would ideally include:
- Skills-development relevant to sector requirements
- Enhanced exposure in the workplace
- Increased likelihood of securing work after completing a learnership or other training programmes
- Better oversight of skills-development initiatives
- Enhanced accountability in the allocation and use of funds
- Better administration of skills-development schemes
- Greater co-ordination between employers and skills-development providers
Whether the PSA’s demands for seta reform will ultimately lead to such outcomes will depend on the final decision made by government.
It Should Also Be Noted That the PSA’s position does not necessarily mean that all current SETA learnerships, internships, bursaries, or other training programmes have been cancelled.
It is always important to consult the relevant SETA, employer, or training institution directly. This includes checking for any announcements concerning revised conditions in relation to setas.
What Job Seekers Should Watch Out For
Given the changing seta landscape, job seekers, should watch out for any formal announcements from government regarding changes to the seta system.
However, it is unwise to wait for official confirmation of seta reform before applying for a learnership, bursary or other training scheme.
For any scheme, it is important to ask questions about:
- The organisation offering the opportunity
- The specific qualification or training involved
- Eligibility requirements
- Deadlines
- Method of application
- Workplace exposure involved, if any
- Whether a stipend or bursary is on offer
At the same time, learners and graduates should be wary of those trying to take advantage of the seta reform to sell fake learnerships, bursaries or jobs.
The Big Question Facing SETAs Going Forward
The position of the Public Servants Association on seta reform highlights the bigger skills-development debate currently taking place in South Africa.
The focus of this discussion has shifted from just getting more people into skills-development programmes, to ensuring that these qualifications and training schemes actually equip learners with relevant skills. A key aspect of this debate is the extent to which setas are able to serve public needs, specifically in relation to employment.
Ultimately, a reformed seta system needs to demonstrate that it can deliver on its objectives, in terms of serving the needs of learners, employers, and public finances.
Sources
Public Servants Association (PSA) statements concerning SETA reform, accountability and consultation; and government statements concerning the governance and performance of SETAs.
Public Servants Association
Editorial policy
This article was written for the South African audience based on the information provided. The Public Servants Association’s (PSA) demands have been specifically highlighted. It must also be noted that the government’s policies are separate from PSA’s demands.
No announcements have been made that SETAs have been abolished, merged or restructured – the details of this article merely highlight the PSA’s stance on consultation and accountability.
Disclaimer
The reform of SETAs remains subject to government, policy and consultation processes. The PSA’s demands represent the position of the organisation, and must not be interpreted as official government policy.
Readers must also note that individual SETA schemes may operate according to their own guidelines, which may include specific application procedures and deadlines.
Reader awareness
Students and job seekers must be mindful of unofficial reports claiming that SETAs have been disbanded, or that all SETA opportunities have been cancelled.
Never pay money for guaranteed jobs, because there is no guarantee that these jobs will materialise. Setas are meant to serve the public – if in doubt, check with the appropriate SETA or other authority before parting with any money.
