The Department of Higher Education and Training on Wednesday reported that it would Gazette the one-year extension of the current sector education and training authority (Seta) licensing process, from March 2010 to March 2011, following a consultation period, while also conducting a review of the Seta systems.

The announcement came after the government’s skills development and training sector was incorporated into the Department of Higher Education and Training, on November 1.

Speaking to media at a briefing in Pretoria, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande said that issues have been raised around reducing the number of Seta’s currently operating, by combining certain Seta’s. “That is precisely what we want to do from now on, until March 2011.”

Nzimande said that although his department was looking at a possible reduction of the 23 Seta’s, it would not entirely dispose of them.

“We are committed to keeping Seta’s at the moment. We think that they are the best possible vehicles that we have. As I have said, there is a number of challenges, but it is better that we seek to overcome those challenges.”

The alignment of the Seta’s would be discussed with relevant parties at an indaba to be held in the first half of next year, and Nzimande added that his department would also look to finalise the industrial policy action plans to improve the effectiveness of skills development efforts.

“This is necessary to ensure the alignment of the Sector Skills Plans of the 23 Seta’s to steer skills development strategies for the development of the labour force for our country.”

A number of steps would now be taken in the review process, the first of which was the reapplication of Seta’s for licences. Nzimande noted that those who have already applied for relicensing have been asked to reconsider their submitted action plans to include closer alignment with tertiary education institutions and government policy.

Meanwhile, these Seta’s would continue to operate on their current mandate and implement their 2010/11 service level agreements.

Nzimande further noted on Wednesday that his department would also look to improve the alignment between the Seta’s and the Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and universities of technology.

“We will consolidate the institutional base for FET colleges in partnership with the skills development system and improve responsiveness to the needs of the economy,” Nzimande said.

“We will be actively pursuing collaborative relationships between the Seta’s, the National Skills Fund, universities, especially universities of technology, and [FET colleges] in order to seek ways to release funds to grow the skills base.”

Nzimande added that his department was working to ensure a smooth incorporation of the skills development and training component, which was set to overhaul the education and training landscape in South Africa.