Efforts by the Department of Labour to deal with poorly performing sector education and training authorities (Setas) have been met with resistance from business and labour.
Both the South African Chamber of Business (Sacob) and the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) this week rejected the proposed amendments to the Skills Development Act.
The proposed amendments aim to improve the performance of, and instil credibility in, the training bodies, some of which have been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
They also give Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana powers to take over or merge poorly per-forming Setas.
Sacob spokesperson Carol O’Brien slated the draft legislation, telling the Mail & Guardian it will give the labour minister ”draconian powers” to manage the Setas.
The government established Setas in 2000 to provide training for workers, the unemployed and those working in small businesses.
They represent the most important attempt to address the skills crisis that hamstrings the South African economy.
Chez Milani, Fedusa general secretary, said the draft legislation was ”too centralised”.
He said the government should focus on making information on skills accessible to all.
Fedusa was concerned that the ”whole area of skills is becoming a niche for consultants who are making a living out of deciphering our ‘coded training language”’.
Snuki Zikalala, spokesperson for the Department of Labour, said his department was confident that the new legislation would encourage the Setas to deliver.
”Now that the draft legislation allows the minister to keep a close eye on Setas, we are more adamant than before that they will deliver,” said Zikalala.