AfriForum Youth has conducted correspondence with the head office of the Services Seta (sector training and education authority) since March this year regarding students who have been waiting for their trade certificates for more than two years and is now considering taking legal action on behalf of some 150 young people. AfriForum Youth will also request reasons for the delay in the issuing of the certificates in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
‘After the Services Seta had repeatedly ignored our e-mails and telephone calls, we corresponded with the chief executive’s office. Although Thandi Mkihize of the Seta indicated that the certificates would be issued as soon as possible, Bibi Madiba said on behalf of Dr. Sinclair Moon’s office that the problem had nothing to do with them,’ said Ian Cameron, spokesperson for AfriForum Youth.
‘Several young people cannot get a job without their trade certificates, as they are unable to submit proof that they are trained artisans. Their right to fair administration has been violated,” said Cameron.
Cameron further said that administrative mismanagement is the order of the day at the Services Seta and that the competence of administrative officials is questionable. “Another possible factor that contributes to the inadequate service is vacant posts, but more clarity will be obtained by filing a request in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act,” he said.
‘It is unacceptable that a country where unemployment is rife and that has a critical shortage of artisans struggles with problems relating to administration.’
AfriForum Youth will meet with its legal team in the coming week to decide what action will be taken.
The Services Seta was originally founded to identify and to promote skills that are needed in the services sector. The Seta is responsible for providing skills for the services sector, thereby creating a balance between the demand for and the supply of skills.
