Health and Welfare SETA
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| Health and Welfare SETA | |
|---|---|
| Name | Health and Welfare SETA |
| Type | Sector Education and Training Authority |
| Formed | 2000s |
| Jurisdiction | South Africa |
| Headquarters | Pretoria |
Health and Welfare SETA
Health and Welfare SETA is a South African Sector Education and Training Authority established to coordinate skills development across the South African Department of Health, South African Social Security Agency, National Department of Basic Education, National Department of Higher Education and Training, and related institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, and University of Pretoria. It operates within the framework of legislation including the Skills Development Act and interacts with entities like the Sectoral Education and Training Authorities network, the Mining Qualifications Authority, and the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The SETA engages stakeholders such as the National Skills Authority, Congress of South African Trade Unions, Federation of Unions of South Africa, and employer bodies like the Employers' Organisation of South Africa.
Overview
The SETA liaises with national bodies such as the South African Nursing Council, South African Medical Association, South African Pharmacy Council, South African Police Service, South African Local Government Association, and academic partners including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Cape Town Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Rhodes University, and University of Johannesburg to develop occupational qualifications recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority. It coordinates with provincial administrations like the Gauteng Department of Health, Western Cape Government Health, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Eastern Cape Department of Health, and agencies such as the National Health Laboratory Service and South African Blood Service to align training with service delivery. Interaction extends to international organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, International Labour Organization, and bilateral partners including the United States Agency for International Development, DFID, and European Union missions.
History and Establishment
The body was formed in the post-apartheid restructuring era alongside other SETAs created under the Skills Development Act and influenced by policy documents from the Reconstruction and Development Programme and the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy. Early stakeholders included trade unions like the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Health and Allied Workers' Union, employer groups such as the South African Medical Research Council partners, and provincial tertiary institutions like the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Key milestones cite engagements with the Presidency of South Africa, meetings at venues like the Union Buildings, and parliamentary oversight by the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training and the Portfolio Committee on Health.
Mandate and Functions
Its mandate covers skills planning, learnerships, apprenticeships, and quality assurance for occupations registered with the South African Qualifications Authority and aligned to standards set by the National Skills Authority and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. It develops curricula with stakeholders such as Sankalp, the Council on Higher Education, the National Education Collaboration Trust, and provincial health training colleges like Mowbray College. The SETA manages grants under the Skills Development Levy system, supports workplace-based training in facilities like Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, and liaises with professional regulators including the Health Professions Council of South Africa and South African Nursing Council.
Governance and Organizational Structure
Governance includes a board drawn from representatives of organizations such as the National Skills Authority, South African Local Government Association, Federation of Unions of South Africa, employer associations like the Business Unity South Africa, and academic representatives from institutions like the University of the Western Cape and North-West University. Executive management interacts with auditors such as the Auditor-General of South Africa and oversight bodies including the Parliament of South Africa and the Public Service Commission. Operational units collaborate with sector stakeholders like Mediclinic South Africa, Netcare Limited, Life Healthcare Group, and NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders and Section27 in program delivery.
Funding and Financial Management
Funding derives from the Skills Development Levy, allocations from the National Treasury, project grants from donors including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and partnerships with entities such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID. Financial controls are reported to the Auditor-General of South Africa and scrutinized by committees in the National Assembly of South Africa; procurement processes must align with Public Finance Management Act provisions and oversight by the Special Investigating Unit when necessary. Funds support training placements at institutions like Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Kalafong Hospital, and community clinics administered by municipalities such as the City of Johannesburg and eThekwini Municipality.
Training Programs and Qualifications
Programs include nursing learnerships accredited with the South African Nursing Council, community health worker training aligned with the National Department of Health frameworks, auxiliary services training in partnership with Mediclinic and Netcare, and continuous professional development recognized by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Qualifications are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority and developed with curriculum partners including the Council on Higher Education, universities such as University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, and training providers like UNISA and private colleges such as Boston City Campus. Programs target cadres employed by institutions like Hospersa, SACAP, and provincial health departments in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape.
Impact, Outcomes, and Criticism
Evaluations reference outcomes measured against national plans such as the National Development Plan 2030 and health sector strategies by the National Department of Health, with reports citing placement rates into institutions like Groote Schuur Hospital and retention in the South African Health Service. Criticisms have been raised in parliamentary hearings of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training regarding governance, grant utilization flagged by the Auditor-General of South Africa, and coordination challenges with provincial bodies including the Gauteng Department of Health and Western Cape Government Health. Stakeholders engaging in reform discussions include the National Skills Authority, Business Unity South Africa, trade unions such as the Congress of South African Trade Unions, and international partners like the World Bank and African Development Bank.