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.

In this episode of the Services SETA Get Involved Podcast, we unpack how assessment, certification, and artisanal pathways work in practice.

We are joined by Mr. Tebello Mokoena, Senior Manager: Core Business at Services SETA, who provides insight into the accreditation and certification landscape, including external moderation and workplace approvals. The conversation explores what artisanal pathways and apprenticeships involve, how skills are acquired, where to start, who these pathways are designed for, and their accessibility across age groups, helping learners, employers, and training providers understand what to expect and how to engage effectively.

In this episode of the Level Up Podcast, we cut through the jargon and unpack how SETA-funded learning programmes work in practice.

We are joined by Shireen Raju, Manager Learning Programme Implementation, and Suzan Kgobe, Gauteng Provincial Manager, who guide us through the full journey from understanding the Discretionary Grant Learning Programme, to employer readiness, learner onboarding, stipends, monitoring, compliance, and what happens when projects go off track.

The conversation also explores artisanships and apprenticeships, what they involve, who they are for, where to start, and why trade skills remain one of South Africa’s most reliable pathways to employment.

A clear and practical episode for employers, Skills Development Providers, and aspiring learners.

In this episode, we unpack how Services SETA bursaries and Skills Development Centres are expanding access to skills development and career opportunities across South Africa’s services sector. We explore who qualifies for bursaries, how funds are disbursed through institutions, and which fields of study are prioritised. Makhaya Blaai, Acting Executive Manager in the Office of the CEO at Services SETA, shares insights on maintaining bursary funding and explains how Skills Centres provide accredited training and practical pathways, particularly for learners in rural communities.

In the second part of the episode, we cut through the complexity around QCTO accreditation, explaining what the QCTO does, who gets accredited, and why accreditation is critical for learners, employers, and training providers. David Thaga, Director for Accreditation at QCTO, unpacks the accreditation process, key requirements, common challenges, and how accreditation ensures training meets national occupational standards.

This episode provides practical guidance for learners, employers, and training providers.

In this episode, we cut through the confusion and explain how SETA grants work. From mandatory grants that help employers reclaim their skills levy to discretionary grants funding learnerships, bursaries, and workplace-based training, and special projects tackling urgent national needs, we cover it all. We break down where the money comes from, how to access real opportunities, and the impact these programmes are having across the country. Our guest, Ria Jordan, Manager for Mandatory Grants at Services SETA, shares insights and practical guidance straight from the source. We also spotlight the #Mathub’Olusha SME-Youth Placement Initiative, a powerful Services SETA Special Project fighting youth unemployment by connecting young people with SMEs. Our guest, Septi Bukula, joins us to unpack the project’s vision, success stories, and how it’s creating sustainable pathways for South Africa’s youth.

In this episode of the Services SETA Get Involved Podcast, we go back to the foundations of skills development, where meaningful training, qualifications, and opportunities truly begin. We are joined by Emma Mbele from the Strategy & Insight Department, who unpacks the essential role of research, sector planning, and qualifications development at the Services SETA. She explains how strategic insights shape the skills pipeline and guide the creation of programmes that respond to real sector needs. We also welcome Siyabonga Mshibe from the South African Youth in Property Association (SAYIPA). Siya began his real estate career through a Services SETA-funded programme and now uses his platform to create better opportunities for other young people entering the property sector. His journey showcases the real impact of targeted skills development interventions.