DHET welcomes improved SETA audit performance

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) would like to clarify that contrary to recent reports in the media it had in fact achieved an unqualified audit opinion in the 2016/17 financial year.

As reflected in its financial statements, the Department also incurred irregular expenditure to the amount of R63.8 million in the financial year under review, and not the nearly R1 billion as incorrectly stated in the media. The cited irregular expenditure of the Department is currently being dealt with in terms of the applicable Treasury Instructions and Guidelines.

The Department also welcomes the improved performance by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the 2016/17 financial year. This comes after all of the 21 SETAs also attained unqualified audit opinions, with eight of the 21 SETAs receiving clean audits.

Although DHET has oversight over South Africa’s 21 SETAs, as well as the country’s public 26 Universities and 50 Technical and Vocational Education Training colleges, National Skills Fund, National Student Financial Aid Scheme, Quality Councils among other entities, the Department is assessed separately by the Auditor-General.

“There is a clear auditing distinction between these entities and DHET, and it is therefore inaccurate to lump all these various entities’ performances and irregular expenditures with that of the Department,” DHET Director-General Mr Gwebs Qonde said.

“Still, we are very pleased with the markedly improved performance of SETAs, which is a clear indication of improving controls, systems, processes and governance structures,” he added.

”As a Department we are encouraged by these positive developments and we will continue to explore ways towards building a formidable and differentiated post- school education and training system geared towards the enhancement of skills development and job creation particularly among our youth, Qonde said.

The country’s 21 SETAs are classified according to economic sectors. Among their key roles, they develop and implement skills plans and strategies for their sectors.