Pretoria: The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) says it is continuing to engage with the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on matters relating to the appointment of accounting authority members at Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
According to South African Government News Agency, the department stated that the audit process concerning the matters raised by the Auditor-General has not yet concluded, and it is providing detailed explanations and clarifications as part of the ongoing engagement.
The DHET emphasized that the current reports should not be viewed as the Auditor-General's final audit conclusions, as they remain subject to ongoing discussions between the department and AGSA. The department is cautious not to preempt the outcome or legitimize allegations that have not been conclusively determined.
A central issue in these engagements is the legislative and policy framework governing SETA appointments. The department has been implementing the policy framework as it currently stands, clarifying that where the framework does not specify a requirement or process, it should not be perceived as non-compliance.
It is crucial to distinguish between non-compliance with existing legislative requirements and identifying gaps or opportunities for improving the legislative and governance framework. The department acknowledges the need to strengthen and clarify aspects of the current framework.
In this regard, the DHET is conducting a broader legislative review, including amendments aimed at enhancing governance, accountability, transparency, and oversight across the SETA system. This review seeks to ensure that legislative requirements are clear, practical, and consistently implementable.
Moreover, the department has engaged AGSA on the selection and appointment of candidates to SETA Accounting Authorities. In a competitive process, more candidates can meet eligibility requirements than there are available positions, and non-selection of an eligible candidate does not indicate unfair exclusion or an irregular appointment process.
The department evaluated candidates recommended for appointment against the eligibility requirements in the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act 97 of 1998), and the applicable policy framework. Identified opportunities to improve record-keeping, procedural clarity, or documentation of decisions will be addressed through the department's ongoing governance improvement program.
The DHET also stressed the importance of completing appropriate verification and due-diligence processes for appointments. Appointment letters issued to accounting authority members include conditions for criminal-record checks and qualification verification.
The DHET will continue examining individual cases raised during the audit process and take appropriate action if an actual deviation from a legal or governance requirement is established.
Questions have been raised about the qualifications of some accounting authority members. The Skills Development Act does not mandate a specific qualification level, including NQF Level 7, as a statutory prerequisite for appointment to a SETA Accounting Authority. However, it is desirable for Accounting Authorities to collectively possess the necessary qualifications, knowledge, expertise, and leadership experience.
The department remains committed to ensuring that SETAs operate within a governance framework that promotes integrity, transparency, accountability, compliance, and effective stewardship of public resources. Any instances of non-compliance, misconduct, negligence, or wrongdoing will be assessed, and corrective measures will be pursued in accordance with legislation, policy, and due process.