Government-led skills development in SA’s travel and tourism sectors will likely get an overhaul this month as several changes have been announced to Theta’s (Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Education and Training Authority) structure and mandate.

Department of Higher Education Spokesperson, Percy Moleke, confirms that changes have been made at all Setas (Sector Education and Training Authorities) to “improve governance”.

These changes include limiting the number of board members to 15, including the chairperson, who will be nominated by the industry but approved by the ministry. An independent chairperson will also be appointed directly by the minister.

“The intention is to ensure that the boards are of a manageable size, focus on strategic issues that ensure the skills development levy is effectively and efficiently spent and the outcomes match the resources and the initiatives funded through the levy results in high impact,” explains Moleke.

Gauteng Travel Academy Head Erica Cornelius says the cap on board members is “brilliant”.  “Historically Theta had more board members than operational staff, which was a problem securing a quorum for votes and key strategic decisions. Plus, having to pay all those board members takes an excessive amount of money out the operational budget.”

Cornelius says the changes are positive. “It allows the Seta to be more transparent and not just driven by the existing board’s cronyism.”

Moleke agrees some of the Seta boards had conflict of interest issues. He says “poor governance” was identified as a “critical area of concern”.

“Some board members having business interests and links with the Setas, the decisions regarding funding of projects have been driven by personal gain most, [rather] than by the skills development agenda.”

The appointment of chairpersons for Setas by the minister is welcome, says Advocate Don Leffler, Director The School of Business, which runs the Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Business School.

“It is hoped that the limited number of Seta board members will contribute to effective decision-making but that inclusive consultative and communication structures will be put in place to allow all stakeholders to express their views and opinions on strategy and policy matters.”

Another change is to the name of the organisation, which will now be known as Cathsseta (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority), including a new chamber for arts and culture.

“The new name for Theta allows an opportunity to rebrand the training authority. There has been much criticism of Theta in the past, but our experience is that there has been a new focus by the Theta team, which is very positive and should be encouraged.”