In this episode, we dive into the operational heartbeat of the Services SETA, starting with a conversation with Liesel Köstlich, Executive Manager for Operations. She unpacks what occupational qualifications are, how they differ from traditional academic pathways, and why they are critical in today’s economy. The discussion explores how knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience are integrated, how competence is assessed, and how quality assurance and provincial implementation ensure programmes remain relevant to industry needs.

The episode then moves beyond frameworks into the real, on-the-ground experience of training, through insights from Lindiwe Nkosi of TL Consulting, a Services SETA partner delivering learnerships and skills development programmes. The conversation highlights learner experiences, support mechanisms, challenges, and how training translates into meaningful career opportunities.

The episode concludes with a personal reflection from Cikizwa Mtwayi, a programme beneficiary, who shares her lived experience and the impact the training has had on her career journey.

In this special episode, we reflect on the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), a key moment of accountability, reflection, and strategic engagement for the organisation.

The AGM convened stakeholders from various industries, including auctioneering, image consulting, beauty, public relations, and funeral services, among others. These engagements highlighted the breadth of the sector and reinforced shared priorities around transformation, skills development,t and sustainable growth.

We also hear leadership reflections from Mr. Masoga, Administrator, and Mr. Dhladhla, Acting CEO, as they unpack key milestones, strategic focus areas, and the collective responsibility for advancing the services sector.

This episode offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the commitments and conversations that continue to shape our work going forward.

In this episode of the Get Involved and Level Up podcast, we unpack how Services SETA chambers serve as the vital link between industry needs and skills development. We break down what chambers are, how 68 industries are structured into subsectors and chambers, and how these mechanisms ensure that training, qualifications, and funding are shaped by real industry demand.

Nomfezeko Vendle, Senior Manager: Chambers and Qualifications Management at Services SETA, takes us behind the scenes of how skills needs are identified, occupational qualifications are developed and reviewed, and how industry input drives funding priorities and provider accreditation. She also highlights how chambers actively engage small businesses, youth, people living with disabilities, and less active industries to ensure inclusive skills development.

We then focus on the personal care and beauty sector, where Dr Thembani Mentor, Ethics Director at SAAHSP, discusses professional standards, ethical practice, and consumer safety. She unpacks the risks of unregulated treatments and explains how formal qualifications and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are helping practitioners transition from informal work into recognised, safe, and sustainable careers, including a successful Services SETA–SAAHSP RPL initiative that empowered young women across five provinces.