Get Involved – The Services SETA Podcast

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Get Involved – Level Up, The Services SETA Podcast is a dynamic and human-centred storytelling platform designed to educate, empower, and connect South Africans with real opportunities in skills development. This podcast opens the world of SETAs in a clear, honest, and accessible way, moving beyond myths and misunderstandings to show the true impact of skills on people, businesses, and communities. Through real voices, expert insights, and practical guidance, Get Involved helps listeners understand how the Services SETA works, what opportunities exist, and how everyone, from learners to employers, can play a role in building a skilled, competitive South Africa. New episodes release every Wednesday.

Episodes

  1. Feb 18

    Episode 11: Building Careers: TASEZ & Services SETA in Action

    We’re joined by Sibusiso Khuzwayo, Senior Manager at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), and Lymon Sithole from We Invest Africa, the implementation partner working on the ground with learners. In this episode, we hear about what TASEZ does to drive investment, support enterprise development, and create jobs within the automotive value chain, and how its partnership with Services SETA expands access to skills programmes for young people. From environmental practice to digital skills and workplace exposure, the programme equips young people with diverse, practical experience that extends beyond a single sector. In the second segment, learners share their personal journeys, proud milestones, and how experience has reshaped their career ambitions. Join the conversation

    48 min

  2. Feb 11

    Episode 10: Funding That Builds Futures

    In this episode of the Get Involved and Level Up podcast, we unpack how Services SETA turns funding into measurable impact. The conversation opens with Mr. Tsheola Matsebe, Chief Financial Officer of Services SETA, who provides insight into how public funds are managed to uphold compliance, transparency, and accountability. He breaks down financial governance processes, highlights common causes of invoice delays, emphasises the importance of proper planning and documentation, and explains how the Invoice Management System enables efficient and timely payments. The episode also features Alfonz Fernandez, a Services SETA bursary beneficiary and postgraduate law student, who shares her journey from discovering the bursary opportunity to completing her studies without financial strain. She reflects on how access to funding reshaped her academic path, opened doors beyond the classroom, and empowered her to give back through youth development and mentorship. Together, these conversations demonstrate how shared responsibility and effective funding unlock skills, build confidence, and shape South Africa’s future.

    48 min

  3. Feb 5

    Episode 9: From Occupational Qualifications to Real Training Experiences

    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.

    1h 7m

  4. Jan 28 ·  Bonus

    Special Episode: Reflecting on the 2025 AGM

    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.

    1h 44m

  5. Jan 21

    Episode 7- From Industry Voice to Skilled Workforce: How Services SETA Chambers Shape Inclusive Skills Development

    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.

    54 min

  6. Jan 14

    Episode 6: Assessment, Certification and Artisanal Pathways Explained

    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.

    24 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Episode 5: Making Sense of Learning Programmes, Training and Apprenticeships

    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.

    43 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Episode 4: Accreditation, Bursaries and Skills Centres Explained

    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.

    46 min

  9. 12/10/2025

    Episode 3 – Unlocking SETA Grants: Mandatory, Discretionary & Special Projects

    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.

    53 min

  10. 12/03/2025

    Episode 2: Where It All Begins: Research & Sector Planning

    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.

    1 hr

  11. 11/30/2025

    Episode 1 – Temp to Talent

    In this episode, we’re joined by Duduzile Mwelase, Acting Executive Manager for Corporate Services, who gives a clear, high-level overview of what the Services SETA does, how we differ from other SETAs, and our overall organisational mission. We then spoke to Colette Atkinson from Adcorp about a powerful project that helped temporary workers access real training, real skills, and real career paths. And Sello Mahlakgane, a programme beneficiary, shares a warm and inspiring journey of how this initiative opened doors and changed her life.

    37 min

  12. 11/26/2025 ·  Bonus

    Special Edition. The Road Ahead: A Conversation with the Administrator

    In this Special Edition of Get Involved, Administrator Mr. Lehlogonolo Masoga reflects his early months at the Services SETA, the progress made, the challenges faced, and the work underway to strengthen governance and service delivery. He shares key achievements such as improved delivery programmes, expanded partnerships, and initiatives creating opportunities for learners across the country. The episode also looks at important reforms, from system improvements to better accountability and learner tracking. Most importantly, we unpack why this podcast exists, to open the doors of the Services SETA, share our work honestly, and connect directly with the public. Join us as we explore the road ahead and how all South Africans can get involved in shaping the future of skills development.

    23 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Get Involved – Level Up, The Services SETA Podcast is a dynamic and human-centred storytelling platform designed to educate, empower, and connect South Africans with real opportunities in skills development. This podcast opens the world of SETAs in a clear, honest, and accessible way, moving beyond myths and misunderstandings to show the true impact of skills on people, businesses, and communities. Through real voices, expert insights, and practical guidance, Get Involved helps listeners understand how the Services SETA works, what opportunities exist, and how everyone, from learners to employers, can play a role in building a skilled, competitive South Africa. New episodes release every Wednesday.

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