Skills Development Challenges and Shifts: Qualifications, SETA Governance, Vacancies, and Grant Reform

The SA‑Skills team is pleased to share this latest update with our community of learners, providers, companies, and stakeholders. As South Africa’s skills ecosystem enters a decisive mid‑year phase, we highlight urgent deadlines, governance developments, vacancies, and funding reforms that shape the sector in May 2026.

Non‑Occupational Qualification Deadline

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has confirmed that legacy NATED programmes and unit‑standard qualifications will close for new enrolments on 30 June 2026. Learners already registered may complete their studies during the “teach‑out” period, but all pathways must end by June 2029.

This transition to occupational qualifications, managed by the QCTO, is designed to align training with industry demand. However, many providers and SETAs are not yet fully prepared, raising risks of unaccredited training and compliance gaps. Employers and learners are urged to act before the deadline to secure recognition.

Accredited Training Providers and Accredited Assessment Centres are encouraged to register their occupational qualifications on SA‑Skills via the “Training Services” tab in the dashboard available for registered companies. Doing so ensures that learners, employers, and stakeholders can easily locate accredited programmes and assessment options, improving visibility and supporting the transition away from legacy qualifications.

SETA Administration – Latest Developments

Three SETAs — Construction (CETA), Local Government (LGSETA), and Services SETA — remain under administration following DHET’s intervention in 2025. Governance failures and procurement irregularities triggered the intervention, with administrators tasked to restore integrity.

At CETA, recent developments include a criminal case against the administrator over salary irregularities and the arrest of an official linked to procurement fraud. These events underscore systemic challenges across SETAs, where irregular expenditure and weak consequence management continue to undermine confidence. The implications for funding continuity, learner stipends, and provider accreditation remain significant.

Current SETA Vacancies

Several authorities currently have active vacancies, including the National Skills Fund (NSF), QCTO, and merSETA. These vacancies represent critical needs across governance, compliance, organisational development, and learner access.

• Leadership & Governance: NSF and QCTO roles at Deputy Director and Director level reflect demand for stronger oversight and financial management.
• Operational Capacity: merSETA vacancies in organisational development and supply chain highlight the need for efficiency and change management.

These openings highlight both governance gaps and opportunities for professionals to contribute to stabilising and reforming the skills development environment.

Mandatory Grant Increase – From 20% to 40%

Government has announced that the mandatory skills development grant will increase from 20% to 40%, doubling the amount employers can reclaim from their Skills Development Levy. While this was highlighted in the 2026 SONA, questions remain about whether SETAs can process the higher allocation, given that the discretionary grant pool (49.5% of the levy) is already heavily committed.

Employers who submit Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs) stand to benefit if the change is implemented. The role of Skills Development Facilitators (SDFs) is therefore critical — ensuring compliance and helping employers access grants. SA‑Skills encourages SDFs to register on our directory to connect with employers seeking their services.

Moving Forward

• Providers and Learners: Act before the June 2026 qualification deadline to secure recognition.
• Employers: Monitor SETA readiness and confirm compliance submissions with SDF support.
• Stakeholders: Track governance reforms and vacancies as opportunities to strengthen the system.

South Africa’s skills landscape is at a turning point. With deadlines looming, governance under scrutiny, and funding reforms on the horizon, the sector must balance urgency with opportunity to ensure continuity and growth.

References

• DHET – Qualification phase‑out notices
• QCTO – Occupational qualification frameworks
• SAQA – Database updates
• CETA – Governance statements
• DHET – Parliamentary oversight reports
• NSF – Career portal
• QCTO – Vacancies
• merSETA – Career opportunities
• National Treasury – Skills Development Levy notes
• SONA 2026 – Mandatory grant announcement

Readers are encouraged to consult these official portals for the most up‑to‑date notices, compliance requirements, and opportunities. Using verified sources ensures accuracy and helps stakeholders stay aligned with current policy and sector developments.