Minister Manamela Calls for Urgent Overhaul of South Africa’s Skills System
At a high‑level meeting with SETA leadership, the Minister outlined a decisive reform agenda aimed at linking skills development to real workplace opportunities, economic growth, and youth employment.
South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has issued a firm call for accelerated reform of the national skills development system, warning that the country can no longer afford training initiatives that do not lead directly to work, productivity, and economic inclusion.
Addressing newly appointed Chairpersons and CEOs of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) at CPUT on Thursday, the Minister stressed that the skills system is at a “critical turning point” and requires disciplined, accountable, and performance‑driven leadership.
“These appointments are not symbolic. They carry the responsibility to rebuild confidence in the skills system and ensure that public resources deliver meaningful outcomes,” he said.
A Shift Toward Measurable Impact
Manamela emphasised that despite years of investment and billions in levy contributions, unemployment, especially among young people, remains alarmingly high. Employers struggle to find relevant skills, while graduates struggle to find work.
“This is a moment of justified impatience,” he said. “Communities want to see real change, not more reports or frameworks.”
The Minister outlined a skills revolution built on a simple premise: training must lead to jobs. This vision includes closer alignment with government’s Growth and Inclusion strategy, the National Development Plan, and the President’s directives in the State of the Nation Address.
The Evolving Role of SETAs
Manamela made it clear that SETAs remain central to the country’s skills agenda—but their function must be refined.
He highlighted four core responsibilities:
Producing credible labour‑market intelligence
Sector Skills Plans must forecast real skills needs and guide national funding and enrolment decisions.Mobilising workplaces for training and employment
Without workplace learning, the system “cannot succeed.” Employers must re‑enter the system meaningfully, and the revised grant framework will enforce this principle: no training or workplace exposure, no grant.Strengthening public colleges and universities
SETAs must prioritise partnerships with TVET and CET colleges, universities, and universities of technology—rather than creating duplicated or low‑impact programmes.Supporting youth transition into work
Learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships must act as bridges into employment, especially for unemployed young people.
A New Culture of Accountability
The Minister was unequivocal about the need to end weak governance, siloed structures, and low‑impact spending. He warned that oversight should not be viewed as interference but as essential accountability.
“This reform agenda is not punitive. It is about restoring credibility and ensuring the system works for society,” he said.
He added that while SETA reform is vital, it forms part of a broader systemic overhaul involving the National Skills Fund (NSF), NSFAS, and the strengthening of public training institutions.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
In his closing remarks, Manamela underscored the weight of the moment.
“The success of the skills revolution will be measured not by what we planned, but by what we changed—how many young people find real opportunities, how many workplaces open their doors, and how effectively we support inclusive growth.”
He urged SETA leaders to approach their roles with seriousness, discipline, and commitment.
“History will judge us by whether we transformed lives and strengthened the economy. SETAs must be part of that legacy—but only if we are prepared to change.”
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