The rehiring of executives implicated in corruption within the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) is deeply troubling for the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, as it appears to indicate that the sector is turning a blind eye to the issue by allowing individuals with questionable ethics to return to positions of power. The committee expressed these views during a briefing on audit action plans for the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA) for the 2022/23 financial year.
The NSF received a qualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General, mainly due to insufficient project management and monitoring in provision of skills development funding. Moreover, disciplinary action against officials involved in irregular expenditure was not adequately addressed, as highlighted by the Auditor-General. The committee emphasized the need for strict consequences for employees responsible for mismanagement and other irregularities within the sector.
In the case of MERSETA, the entity was praised for supporting financially disadvantaged students, however the irregular and wasteful expenditure reported in the audit report came in for criticism from the committee. The committee recommended the establishment of a register to track public service employees who resign before facing disciplinary measures only to resurface in another public institution. This measure would help to prevent the recurrence of unethical practices, committee members said.
The committee urged both NSF and MERSETA to prioritize equipping young individuals with essential skills and avoid compromising on standards. It also welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Home Affairs, which will enable the exchange of data to prevent duplication of student records.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, expressed deep concern about the high dropout rate of learners in skills development programmes, especially at a time when the country is actively working to address skills shortages. Ms Mkhatshwa also emphasized the importance of filling project management posts advertised in August 2023, saying that the prolonged shortlisting process hampers project implementation, causing further delays.
In response, Mr David Mabusela, the acting NSF chief executive, acknowledged that interviews are underway but highlighted challenges in constituting the interview panel, which at times hindered progress. Mr Mabusela assured the committee that efforts are being made to address these issues promptly.
Jabulani Majozi
8 March 2024
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