MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING AGREES TO EXTEND THE CURRENT SETA LANDSCAPE AND NSDS 2 FOR A 12 MONTH PERIOD FROM 1 APRIL 2010
Posted on 11 November 2009

Following from a recent SEIFSA Council recommendation, business recently made representation through BUSA to Minister Blade Nzimande of the recently formed Department of Higher Education and Training to request extension of the current Seta landscape configuration and National Skills Development Strategy 2 (scheduled to terminate in March 2010) for a 12 month period to allow for proper debate and consultation around the future skills development dispensation in South Africa.  This request was motivated by the need to address the new environment in the country - political, social and economic - and embark on a fundamental rethink of the national approach to skills development strategies.

The Minister, who took over responsibility for skills development including the Setas from the Department of Labour on 1 November 2009 in terms of a presidential proclamation, addressed the National Skills Authority in Pretoria on 30 October and stated his intention to accept the advice of the NSA and extend the current dispensation for a 12 month period until March 2011.  This announcement has now been made

This is indeed good news for the business sector.  It  will allow for a strategic consultation process around the future and a constructive engagement with a key government department facing immense challenges in terms of the strategy, institutions and funding mechanisms needed to address national skills development challenges with very major economic and transformation implications for the country.