Unemployed South Africans studying courses backed by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) are being warned to understand the implications of a funded skills programme before accepting an offer of study.
Concerns were raised after reports on 2 September 2026 regarding disruptions to state-funded programmes which left learners questioning the value of the qualifications they are being asked to pursue.
One of the programmes which fell under review involved around 470 learners undertaking a 16 month project management occupational certificate course at South West Gauteng TVET College campuses in Soweto, Roodepoort and Randburg.
According to the reports, the course, which involved a monthly stipend of R5000, had been suspended by the college with learners being directed to withdraw from their studies after two months of unpaid stipends.
Services SETA responded by confirming that payments to learners had been made while the organisation moved to take legal action against the implementing partner for the unpaid amounts.
The issues raised by the disruptions to the project management course are being seen as an illustration of the challenges which can arise in connection with a SETA-backed skills development initiative.
Why Services SETA programmes matter
For many unemployed young people, a learnership, skills programme or occupational qualification can represent an opportunity to undertake formalised training in a specific field as well as acquire valuable work experience.
However, a funded programme extends beyond the relationship between the learner and the training provider.
Depending on the nature of the initiative, responsibilities may be shared between the SETA, an implementing partner, a workplace host or employer, and other stakeholders.
This highlights the need for a learner to understand the roles which different entities play in relation to a specific initiative as set out in formal agreements.
Furthermore, while a stipend is usually viewed by an unemployed student as a means of assisting with living costs, disruptions to payments can cause significant hardship due to the impact on transport and other daily expenses.
Stipend payments can become a serious problem
The issues which arose in relation to the project management course also serve as a reminder that stipend payments can also be a potential source of contention in connection with a SETA-funded programme.
When announcing the establishment of a Project Management Unit in April 2026, Services SETA acknowledged that one of the areas which requires improvement relates to project lifecycle management including delays in learner certification as well as stipend payments.
The new unit will be responsible for strengthening project governance, financial management as well as implementation of SETA projects.
The problems which were encountered by the 470 learners illustrate some of the challenges experienced in relation to stipend payments.
According to reports on 2 September 2026, learners were advised to terminate their studies as a result of their July and August stipends not being paid while Services SETA moved to take legal action against the implementing partner.
The organisation also confirmed that payments for the month of July and August had since been made with the training programme resuming.
As a result, prospective learners should consider that while a funded skills programme represents an opportunity to obtain qualifications and gain work experience, disruptions to stipend payments can cause additional difficulties.
It is therefore important to keep records of all documentation and correspondence in relation to a SETA-funded skills programme.
Certification delays can affect the end of a programme
Another area of concern which was raised by the disruptions to the project management course relates to certification.
While a learner may be able to complete a qualification or skills programme, certification delays can affect the ability of a graduate to utilise the relevant documentation and evidence of attainment for further studies or employment.
This highlights the need for a learner to be aware that even after completing the requirements of a programme, additional administrative processes may be necessary to obtain final certification.
Services SETA has acknowledged this as an area of improvement.
In its announcement relating to the new Project Management Unit, the organisation noted that project close out and learner certification are among the areas which require special attention.
This serves as a reminder to learners that the completion of a programme does not necessarily mean that the final administrative requirements have also been fulfilled.
Registration and other administrative processes can also cause delays
Another aspect highlighted by the problems encountered by the 470 learners in the project management course is the administrative process of registering for a programme.
The issues which arose illustrate the potential complications which can arise if the information provided by a learner is incorrect or incomplete.
This applies to any SETA-funded initiative and serves as a reminder that it is important to retain evidence of any information which has been submitted to relevant entities.
If a learner is informed that their application or registration is incomplete, it is important to clarify what information is outstanding.
Keeping a written record can also be important if there is a need to escalate a dispute or issue at a later stage.
Governance concerns need to be treated carefully
The problems faced by the 470 learners taking the project management course at South West Gauteng TVET College campuses in Soweto, Roodepoort and Randburg have been linked to allegations of mismanagement and corruption by several organisations including the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
OUTA has previously raised concerns in relation to corruption allegations which involve Services SETA including issues of irregular payments to learners as well as irregularities in relation to biometric attendance registers.
OUTA has also issued several reports in relation to corruption and governance concerns which involve other SETAs.
While these reports therefore provide context in relation to the disruptions to the project management course, it is important to note that allegations should be treated with caution unless they have been substantiated by independent investigations, audits or official findings.
Similarly, while the concerns faced by the 470 learners are being seen as an indication of challenges which can arise in relation to Services SETA programmes, they do not necessarily affect every training initiative which falls under the auspices of the organisation.
This is mainly because each SETA programme involves a range of different stakeholders, processes, agreements and implementing partners.
Services SETA has acknowledged delivery problems
The announcement of a Project Management Unit by Services SETA is significant as the organisation has acknowledged areas of concern in relation to its programmes.
At the Project Management and Grants Delivery Workshop which took place in Pretoria on 5 April 2026, the organisation outlined the role of the Project Management Unit which has been established to improve the oversight of funded initiatives.
Among the key areas of focus are project completion, certification, stipend payments, financial management and project governance.
This serves as a reminder to learners that while a SETA-funded programme can offer valuable opportunities, it is important to ensure that the relevant administrative requirements are completed.
In terms of the experience of the 470 learners who became involved in a dispute over unpaid stipends, it is important to understand that the success of a skills development programme should be measured in terms of the quality of training, the completion of requirements, and the attainment of qualifications rather than the number of people who are recruited.
Completing a programme does not automatically mean getting a permanent job
One final consideration which prospective learners should be aware of pertains to the opportunity for employment.
While an occupational qualification, skills programme or learnership can provide the necessary training, it is important to understand that a SETA-funded initiative does not automatically guarantee a permanent post upon completion.
This is mainly because an employer may not have the capacity to accommodate all graduates of a specific training programme.
Furthermore, job advertisements or agents offering a guaranteed permanent post following the completion of a funded skills programme should be treated with caution.
It is therefore important to review all aspects of a SETA-funded opportunity including the possibility of employment on a permanent, temporary, contract or other basis.
What learners should keep when joining a SETA programme
When joining any SETA programme it is important to retain information and records pertaining to your enrolment and training.
Some of the key documents which should be kept safe include:
- Programme advertisement;
- Offer or acceptance letter;
- Learner agreement;
- Proof of registration;
- Copies of any documents submitted;
- Attendance records;
- Assessment information;
- Stipend records;
- Communications, including emails;
- Notices of any changes to the programme;
- Contact information for the training provider and any programme officials.
It is also important to obtain written confirmation of any representation or assurance.
If a representative advises that stipend payments will be made by a specific date for instance, it is important to request this information in writing to create a formal record of the assurance.
What prospective learners should ask before accepting an opportunity
Before accepting an opportunity to join a Service SETA programme, prospective learners should ask the following questions:
Who is providing the training?
Learners should obtain this information as well as clarification on whether the entity is a training provider, employer, SETA or any other organisation.
What qualification or training is being offered?
Applicants should ensure that they understand what type of training, qualification, learnership or skills programme is being undertaken.
How long does the programme last?
The duration should be clearly outlined to include any onsite components if applicable.
Is there a stipend?
Not all skills development programmes offer a stipend. However, if one is available, applicants should confirm the amount, payment schedule, and any conditions which may apply.
Where will training take place?
Applicants should also be aware of where training will take place.
Who should I contact if there is a problem?
Prospective learners should obtain this information to clarify any queries in relation to stipends, attendance records, assessments, and registrations.
What happens after completion of the programme?
Applicants should ask this question to obtain information in relation to documentation, including any employment records, which should be provided upon the completion of the training.
They should also understand that a SETA-funded initiative does not guarantee permanent employment.
What to do if a stipend is not paid
If a stipend is not paid it is important to confirm whether the issue affects only you or whether it impacts a group of learners.
The following steps can also be taken:
Confirm that your registration has been completed;
Ensure that your bank details are correct;
Check that your attendance has been captured correctly;
Ensure that any required documentation has been submitted;
Confirm that the training provider has submitted the correct information to the relevant authorities;
Ensure that the stipend has cleared and that it is not outstanding in your account.
The above steps should be documented and kept in a secure place. If the initial steps do not resolve the dispute it is important to follow the escalation process which has been set out by the training provider and retain copies of any complaints and responses received.
The bigger issue for unemployed South Africans
The disputes which have affected the 470 learners who joined the project management occupational certificate course at South West Gauteng TVET College have raised concerns about the administration of Services SETA.
This illustrates the potential impact of administrative and governance issues on the ability of unemployed South Africans to join training initiatives which are meant to facilitate their skills development and enhance employment prospects.
A learner who enrolls for a SETA-funded learnership, skills programme or occupational qualification should be able to rely on the organisation to ensure that the necessary administrative processes are followed and that disruptions to training do not prevent them from obtaining the required qualifications.
However, the issues which have arisen in relation to the project management course highlight the need for learners to obtain an understanding of the terms, requirements, and implications of a SETA-funded opportunity before accepting an offer of study.
The establishment of the Project Management Unit by Services SETA therefore shows that the organisation is aware of the areas which require improvement.
The most important consideration for any prospective learner is that while a SETA-funded initiative provides an opportunity to gain qualifications and valuable work experience, individual circumstances should be reviewed to ensure that administrative requirements do not prevent them from completing the required training.
At the same time it is important to remain wary of any organisation which demands payment in exchange for a SETA-funded opportunity or employment.
Author and reporting note
This article was independently written for South Africans by referencing information published by Services SETA, reports by TimesLIVE/Sunday Times and material published by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
The article has distinguished between reports, allegations, and confirmed information.
Allegations which have been published by OUTA have been acknowledged as such.
Summary
Our editorial policy is to produce informative, useful articles for readers.
We therefore endeavour to independently verify reports, allegations, claims, and information from other sources.
We do not guarantee employment, qualifications, or news reports.
Where allegations are disputed, readers are encouraged to distinguish between reports, allegations, and independently verified information.
Programme requirements, stipends arrangements, application procedures, and deadlines may change.
Readers are encouraged to independently verify crucial information before making any decisions regarding education, employment, and finances.
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as an official publication by Services SETA, the Department of Higher Education and Training, a TVET college, or a training provider.
Furthermore, the fact that a programme, organisation, or dispute is mentioned in this article does not constitute an endorsement or independently verified information.
Readers are encouraged to independently verify any opportunities which are advertised to them and to remain cautious when asked to provide personal information or to make payments.
It is important to remember that a SETA-funded opportunity should not be regarded as a guarantee for permanent employment.
Anyone promising a job in exchange for payments should be regarded with caution.
