Probe Into R15M SETA Scandal

The Education Training and Development Practices SETA (ETDP SETA) faces a R15-million scandal involving an alleged fraudulent office lease.

Reports indicate the tender was awarded despite the bidder lacking a mandatory occupancy certificate to prove building safety.

​Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, has launched a formal probe, demanding an immediate report on the procurement process. This investigation follows the ETDP SETA’s 2024 tender for new office space intended to oversee national training.

​Staff have reportedly been unable to use the premises for over a year due to non-compliance. Despite the building remaining vacant, the SETA has allegedly spent R15-million on rental costs.

​The situation worsened when Acting CEO, Nokukhanya Mafahla, reportedly halted an internal investigation into the matter.

This interference has intensified scrutiny surrounding the authority's internal governance and leadership.

​Manamela stated the allegations raise grave concerns regarding governance, building compliance and the implications for misuse of public funds.

The SETA’s primary duty remains the oversight of training across schools, universities, and community centers