How many seta do we have in South Africa?

Most are, you’ve heard of SETA if you live, work, or study in South Africa. However, what is the number of SETAs in South Africa? What precisely do they do? We’ll simplify and make things easy to understand in this blog post. This book will help you comprehend the significant significance SETAs play in South Africa’s economic and skills development environment, regardless of whether you’re a student, business owner, or job seeker.

What Is a SETA?

SETA stands for Sector Education and Training Authority. These bodies are responsible for promoting skills development within specific sectors of the economy. They operate under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and are key players in ensuring that South Africa’s workforce is skilled, employable, and aligned with the needs of industry.

SETAs work by accrediting training providers, developing learning programs, and allocating funding for learnerships, internships, and skills programs.

So, How Many SETAs Are There in South Africa?

As of 2025, there are 21 SETAs operating in South Africa. Each one is responsible for a different economic sector. These SETAs were re-established by the DHET and are aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) to support economic growth and social development.

Here’s a list of all 21 SETAs:

  1. AGRISETA – Agriculture

  2. BANKSETA – Banking

  3. CATHSSETA – Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

  4. CHIETA – Chemical Industries

  5. ETDPSETA – Education, Training and Development Practices

  6. EWSETA – Energy and Water

  7. FASSET – Finance and Accounting Services

  8. FOODBEV SETA – Food and Beverages

  9. FP&M SETA – Fibre Processing and Manufacturing

  10. HWSETA – Health and Welfare

  11. INSETA – Insurance

  12. LGSETA – Local Government

  13. MERSETA – Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services

  14. MICTSETA – Media, Information and Communication Technologies

  15. PSETA – Public Service

  16. SASSETA – Safety and Security

  17. SERVICES SETA – Generic Services Sector

  18. TETA – Transport Education and Training Authority

  19. W&RSETA – Wholesale and Retail

  20. MQA – Mining Qualifications Authority

  21. CETA – Construction Education and Training Authority

Why Are SETAs Important?

SETAs are essential for driving skills development, reducing unemployment, and improving productivity in South Africa. They ensure that training is aligned with industry standards and real-world needs, which helps close the gap between education and employment.

Key Roles of SETAs:

  • Identifying skills shortages in their sectors

  • Accrediting training providers

  • Disbursing funds for training initiatives

  • Supporting learnerships and internships

  • Assisting companies with Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs)

Who Benefits from SETAs?

  • Learners and students: Gain access to funded training opportunities and industry-aligned qualifications.

  • Employers: Access grants and ensure their workforce is upskilled and compliant.

  • Training providers: Get accredited and recognized by the industry.

  • Government: Promotes economic development and job creation.

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