Skills system transition: governance, qualifications and workplace learning

Services SETA remains one of the most active. It has reduced legacy commitments significantly, invested heavily in TVET colleges, and launched the flagship To The Power of X² (PowerX²) national internship programme targeting 20 000 unemployed graduates (NQF 4–7 from public universities or TVET colleges) for structured 24-month workplace experience. First placements were expected from September 2026. Services SETA funds stipends and provides a laptop for placed participants. Graduate registration has been open to build a national talent pool; over 55 000 expressions of interest were reported at one stage.

• Official Services SETA PowerX² page: https://www.servicesseta.org.za/
• Detailed programme info & EOI process: https://www.servicesseta.org.za/the-powerx%c2%b2-20-000-internships/ and related pages.

AgriSETA is focusing on practical agricultural skills, youth entrepreneurship, farm security technologies (drones, sensors), climate-smart farming, and better access to assessment centres to tackle youth unemployment and food insecurity.

SETAs are being pushed toward measurable outcomes (placements → employment) rather than pure disbursement. TVET WIL (workplace-based learning) remains a DHET priority (~21 000 placements annually supported via SETAs).

Large discretionary-grant and special-project windows (Services SETA, BANKSETA, AgriSETA, MICT SETA) create demand for tools that help providers track learners, report outcomes, and embed media content into LMS environments.

DHET is actively engaging the Auditor-General on SETA Accounting Authority (board) appointments. The AG has raised concerns about irregular appointments at multiple SETAs (vetting, qualification verification, criminal-record checks). Legislative review of the Skills Development Act is underway to strengthen governance.