Accra:Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has urged the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) to take urgent corrective measures following qualified audit opinions for the 2025/26 financial year. During a briefing with Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Manamela emphasized the need for both institutions to address ongoing governance and financial control weaknesses and ensure that public funds are effectively used for skills development and employment opportunities.

According to South African Government News Agency, both SETAs were placed under administration in August 2025 due to governance and operational challenges and will remain so until January 31, 2027. Manamela stated that the success of this intervention lies in whether these institutions emerge with stronger governance, credible financial controls, and improved service delivery.

Both CETA and Services SETA received qualified audit opinions, indicating unresolved material issues. The department has mandated the development of audit action plans with clear responsibilities and timeframes. CETA achieved about 85% of its annual performance targets; however, it faces financial challenges with a significant deficit and declining cash balance. Manamela pointed out the need to address structural financial imbalances and highlighted serious historical control failures, including irregular and wasteful expenditures.

In particular, Manamela noted troubling material irregularities, including a failed artisan-development project and an ineffective learner biometric attendance system, resulting in approximately R29 million in reported losses. He called for accountability and potential recovery measures to address these issues.

For Services SETA, which reported a surplus partly due to delayed program implementation, Manamela criticized the delays in bursary payments affecting students' ability to register and pay for accommodation. He demanded a clear account of outstanding bursary obligations and resolution timelines.

Manamela stressed the importance of completing the governance transition before the administration period ends, warning against repeating cycles of governance failures. He called for a verified exit assessment to ensure governance readiness and financial sustainability.

Additionally, Manamela outlined broader priorities for the post-school education and training sector, including reforms to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and addressing concerns in the Denel Training Programme. He urged for time-bound plans to resolve audit findings, improve bursary delivery, and transition to stable governance structures.

Source South African Government News Agency