Latest SETA Updates 2026: Services SETA PowerX², Governance & TVET Investments

Services SETA has been particularly active — reducing legacy commitments (from ~R3.4bn toward R2.8bn), investing heavily in TVET colleges (R905m reported), running a R1.3bn National Bursary Programme supporting ~15,000 students, and launching the “To The Power of X²” internship programme targeting 20,000 graduates over two years. They also rolled out provincial programmes (e.g. Mpumalanga Real Estate Learnership) and CET college infrastructure support (R90m across provinces). MICT SETA continues issuing tenders for occupational qualification development/review and digital infrastructure. AgriSETA is emphasising practical agricultural skills, youth entrepreneurship, farm security technologies (drones/sensors), and better assessment centre access.

SETAs are under pressure to deliver measurable workplace placements and employment outcomes rather than just disbursements. TVET student workplace-based learning (WIL) remains a priority (~21,000 placements annually facilitated via DHET/SETAs). Providers serving colleges and SETAs should prioritise programmes that integrate easily into LMS platforms and support offline/youth engagement.

Discretionary grant windows and special projects continue (Services SETA and BANKSETA examples show multi-million Rand allocations for learnerships, skills programmes, bursaries and internships). Usage-based or freemium models that help providers track learner progress, report to SETAs, or embed media content can capture value from these funding flows.

Watch SETA MIS systems and grant application portals for API or data-exchange opportunities. Multi-tenant platforms that support tenant-specific reporting (for different SETA-funded programmes) will be attractive.

DHET is engaging the Auditor-General on SETA board/Accounting Authority appointments. Broader legislative review of the Skills Development Act is underway to strengthen governance, accountability and transparency. Some appointments have faced legal challenges.

Services SETA’s media partnerships and provincial launches create visibility opportunities. Align Falcon Radio / ProAudioPath messaging with youth media, sound engineering and community radio skills pathways.