Response to Negative Public Perception of the SETA’s and Actions
Update on reported corruption and actions
In the recent Parliamentary sitting of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology wherein members expressed a concern on the “poor image of SETAs”, pertaining to corruption in the main. The MICT SETA received complaints and findings from the Auditor General in relation to corruption cases at the entity implicating former CEO and business associates, which were subsequently investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the 2018/19 financial year. The MICT SETA supports the work of the SIU in regard to cleaning-up of the SETA, this is also done in support and to the knowledge of the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande. A report with findings and recommendations was received from the SIU with an implementation date by the MICT SETA. To date the MICT SETA has written to National Treasury requesting restriction of trade of individuals and related entities following SIU recommendations. There are internal disciplinary processes that are underway including blacklisting companies that were part of the investigation, tightening up of internal controls and enforcing a culture of zero tolerance on corruption. The SIU recommendations have absolute support of the Minister, including pursuing of criminal charges.
The SIU is in the process of compiling a final report to be submitted to the Presidency in terms of Section 4 (1) (g) of SIU Act.
Newly appointed Board and Strategic Priorities
The newly appointed MICT SETA board, effective 01 April 2020, who will serve a five-year term is committed to good governance practices, which seek to promote transparency and accountability to all our different stakeholders as well as promote our ability to create value in the medium to long term. In a recently held Accounting Authority Strategic Session, key strategic priorities were identified in an effort to highlight customer centricity, improve stakeholder confidence and strengthen the strategic vision of the MICT SETA, enabling the SETA to pursue the development of a 21st century skilled workforce. It resolved to prioritise the following:
- Support the sustainability and growth of SMME’s, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and Community-based Organizations.
- Ensure good corporate governance and a productive workforce.
- Increase and improve labour market information that accurately identifies occupations in high demand.
- Increase focused skills development interventions for rural and marginalised communities to ensure inclusivity.
- Increase access to, and delivery of industry and occupationally directed priority programmes and work placements.
- Improve the quality of education to address programmes in high demand within the MICT Sector.
- Enablement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
- Enable the growth of the public college system through sectoral partnerships in the delivery of learning interventions.
The MICT SETA offering training in key digital technology domains
The implication of the Fourth Industrial Revolution for traditional skills and new skills sets required in the future has a profound impact on our sector, in response to this a total of 1000 learners were trained across the country in the following streams: Data Science, Software development, Drone-piloting, Content Development and Cyber Security, Cloud Computing and 3D Printing. The first in-take of learners in this programme commenced in July 2019 in Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo in Data Science, Digital Content Production, Cyber Security and Drone Piloting. The remaining skills areas programmes commenced in August, September and October respectively.
Key Success Factors.
The following learning programmes were implemented in the past year across all MICT subsectors:
- 3 719 learners were permanently placed in the following sub-sectors ICT, Media, Advertising and Telecoms
- Learnerships – 3 419 learners were trained;
- Internships – 1 434 learners were trained;
- Skills Programmes – 2 777 learners were trained;
- 346 students were awarded bursaries;
- 631 Short Programmes were implemented;
- 501 TVET students were placed in the workplace;
- 77 Small Medium Companies were supported through skills development initiatives;
- A total of 14 587 certificates that includes both qualifications and learnerships were issued in the previous financial year and;
- A 4IR unit has also been established to accelerate skills development and to address changes in the world of work.
The SETA continues to work closely with industry, strengthening collaborative partnerships with quality assurance bodies. Furthermore, it is heeding the call to digital transformation, and has implemented initiatives to automate processes that create efficient and effective operational processes in the delivery of quality assurance. It is also worth noting that MICT SETA achieved an unqualified audit opinion for 2019/2020 financial year.
Ends.
Issued for and behalf of the MICT SETA
Ms. Xabiso Matshikiza
Manager: Marketing and Communications
About MICT SETA
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority, the “MICT SETA”, was established in terms of the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) and plays a pivotal role in achieving South Africa’s skills development and economic growth within the sub-sectors it operates namely; advertising, film and electronic media, electronics, information technology and telecommunications. In partnership with its stakeholders, it addresses skills shortages and development, accelerates bridging the digital divide by promoting entrepreneurial value and improving the employment prospects of previously disadvantaged groups.
