SETA Administrator appointment process; 2026 Academic Year readiness; with Minister

Video Minister’s Statement on 2026 Academic Year Minister's Statement on SETA Adminstrator Appointments Department Statement on SETA Administrator Appointments The Portfolio Committee met with the Department to scrutinise why three Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) had been placed under administration. Committee members sought clarity on the rationale for placing the Construction SETA, Local Government SETA, and Services SETA under administration, highlighting concerns over the delayed implementation of previous forensic reports and systemic governance failures. Some Members strongly questioned the calibre and integrity of the appointed administrators. The Minister and the Department explained that the interventions were necessary to stabilize the institutions, address allegations of misconduct by CEOs and the accounting authorities, and ensure proper oversight, noting that these measures were not punitive but aimed at institutional stability and adherence to statutory frameworks. Questions were raised about the role and accountability of the Director General, the consistency of information provided on forensic reports such as the Duja Report, and the processes followed in appointing administrators. The Committee was also briefed by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Department on the 2026 academic year state of readiness, including student applications, funding, and accommodation. The Department reported ongoing engagement with universities and TVET colleges to manage student placements, with an emphasis on prioritizing student needs in consultation with staff and stakeholders. Members welcomed the announcement of an additional R13 billion in NSFAS funding, which was expected to alleviate some of the funding challenges, but expressed concern over prior mismanagement and delays in fund disbursement. Questions were raised about whether funding would reach students equitably, and Members stressed the need for timely payments to prev