MINISTER MANAMELA ISSUES DIRECTIVE ON GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONAL INTERVENTIONS AT INSETA

Buti Manamela Minister of Higher Education and Training photo supplied

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, has issued a formal directive to the Accounting Authority of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), following written notification from the Accounting Authority on 4 June 2026 and a meeting with the Accounting Authority on 5 June 2026.

The directive addresses a range of governance and operational matters at the entity and forms part of the Minister’s broader programme to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery across the SETA system.

*PROTECTING STUDENTS*

The Minister has described the delayed payment of Insurance Sector Student Fund allowances, affecting 263 beneficiaries across multiple institutions, as unacceptable.

The Accounting Authority has been directed to submit, within 15 working days, a detailed report and action plan confirming:

• the status of all outstanding payments;
• confirmation that all beneficiaries have received their full allowances for the current academic period;
• measures to prevent a recurrence of the delays; and
• any disciplinary or corrective action taken against officials responsible.

“Students must never carry the cost of governance failures. Every cent owed to a student must reach that student, and those responsible for these delays must be held accountable,” said Minister Manamela.

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION BY THE NATIONAL SKILLS AUTHORITY

The Minister has referred governance challenges at INSETA, including longstanding allegations concerning the entity and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to the National Skills Authority (NSA) for independent investigation.

The Minister notes with concern that, despite a directive issued on 6 October 2025 requiring the Accounting Authority to investigate the allegations levelled at the SETA and CEO, and submit a report with recommendations, the required report has not been submitted. The NSA investigation will therefore will also cover the directive of 6 October 2025.

SUSPENSION OF THE CEO

The Minister has noted the precautionary suspension of the INSETA CEO on 3 June 2026. On the 4th of June 2026, the Minister received a report from the Accounting Authority informing him of the precautionary suspension of the CEO among other things.

Having considered the information presented by the Accounting Authority and the applicable regulatory framework governing the appointment and conditions of service of SETA Chief Executive Officers, the Minister has raised concerns regarding the procedural compliance of the suspension process.

The Accounting Authority has accordingly been directed to take the necessary steps to regularise the position in accordance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework and to report to the Minister on the actions taken.

This directive is strictly procedural and does not constitute a finding on the merits of any allegation against the CEO. All allegations must be investigated fairly, independently, thoroughly and in accordance with due process.

The CEO remains subject to the independent investigation commissioned by the Accounting Authority and the investigation now being undertaken by the National Skills Authority.

“Lawful process is the foundation of accountability and any action taken outside the legal framework cannot be sustained when tested. Every intervention must be lawful, fair and capable of withstanding scrutiny,” said Minister Manamela.

As part of strengthening governance across the SETA system, the department will arrange an intensive governance capability enhancement programme for SETA Accounting Authorities in partnership with The National School of Government and
the National Skills Authority.