The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) is a public entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa. Established in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998, our primary mission is to facilitate quality skills development in the services sector by building partnerships, promoting lifelong learning, and improving the overall employability of the workforce.
We operate as part of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS), working to close the gap between the skills available in the labor market and those required by the economy. The Services SETA serves a wide range of industries—including wholesale and retail, real estate, hairdressing, funeral services, cleaning, marketing, and more—by supporting training initiatives that lead to meaningful employment and career advancement.
Our core responsibilities include:
- Developing Sector Skills Plans (SSPs) in line with national priorities
- Facilitating learning programmes, including learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships
- Accrediting training providers and monitoring the quality of education and training
- Allocating grants and funding to employers and training bodies
- Empowering small businesses and cooperatives through skills training
We are committed to driving transformation, inclusion, and sustainable development in South Africa’s services sector by equipping individuals with the competencies they need to thrive in a dynamic economic environment.
At Services SETA, we believe that skills development is key to unlocking human potential and building a prosperous nation.