The recent directive from Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela on governance and operational interventions at the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) has brought renewed attention to accountability mechanisms within South Africa’s post-school education and training sector. Issued in early June 2026, the directive responds to a rapidly escalating dispute involving the precautionary suspension of INSETA’s chief executive officer and longstanding questions about institutional stability.
Understanding INSETA’s Role in Skills Development
INSETA operates as one of 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities established under the Skills Development Act. It focuses on the insurance and related financial services sector, facilitating learnerships, internships, bursaries, and workplace-based training programmes. These initiatives support the National Skills Development Plan 2030 by addressing critical skills shortages in underwriting, claims management, actuarial science, and regulatory compliance. INSETA also administers the Insurance Sector Student Fund, which provides financial support to qualifying learners pursuing qualifications aligned with industry needs.
The authority’s Accounting Authority, commonly referred to as the board, holds fiduciary responsibility for strategy, financial oversight, and performance monitoring. Like other SETAs, INSETA reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training and must comply with the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury regulations. Effective governance at these entities directly influences the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the insurance industry, which contributes significantly to South Africa’s financial services economy.
Timeline of the Governance Dispute
Events unfolded rapidly in early June 2026. On 3 June, the INSETA board placed CEO Gugu Mkhize on precautionary suspension amid concerns over governance practices and the administration of student funding programmes. The board notified Minister Manamela the following day. A meeting between the minister and the Accounting Authority took place on 5 June.
On 8 June, the minister issued a formal directive instructing the board to lift the suspension immediately and reinstate the CEO. The directive also mandated investigations into reported governance failures, delays in student allowance payments, and other operational matters. Additional requirements included filling outstanding board vacancies within 60 days and arranging governance orientation training in collaboration with the National Skills Authority and the National School of Government.
The board has since resisted full compliance, arguing procedural and legal concerns. Correspondence between the parties indicates the possibility of court proceedings, highlighting tensions over the scope of ministerial authority versus board autonomy in public entities.
Key Provisions of the Ministerial Directive
The directive emphasises the minister’s role as executive authority under the Skills Development Act. It underscores that certain conditions of service and suspension procedures require ministerial approval or consultation. Beyond the immediate reinstatement order, the document calls for a comprehensive review of internal controls, procurement processes, and stakeholder engagement mechanisms.
Particular attention is directed at restoring confidence in the Insurance Sector Student Fund. Reports of unpaid allowances have affected learners and raised questions about cash-flow management and disbursement timelines. The directive requires the Accounting Authority to report progress on these matters within specified timeframes, aiming to minimise disruption to training programmes.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Reactions
Minister Manamela has framed the intervention as necessary to safeguard service delivery and uphold accountability standards across the SETA landscape. Departmental statements stress that governance lapses at any SETA undermine broader efforts to build a capable workforce.
The INSETA board, through its chairperson, has maintained that its actions were taken in good faith to protect institutional integrity during ongoing reviews. The board has proposed alternative timelines for reporting and expressed reservations about reinstating the CEO while investigations continue.
Civil society organisation OUTA has welcomed scrutiny of governance issues while calling for independent forensic investigations. OUTA has previously raised concerns about audit findings and performance at INSETA, advocating for transparent processes that prioritise public interest over institutional protection.
Industry stakeholders in the insurance sector have expressed cautious optimism that swift resolution will stabilise training pipelines and protect learner funding streams. Disruptions at INSETA can delay learnership placements and bursary disbursements, affecting both new entrants and existing students.
Broader Implications for SETA Governance
This episode reflects ongoing challenges in the governance of South Africa’s SETAs. Similar interventions have occurred at other authorities in recent years, pointing to systemic issues around board appointments, CEO accountability, and alignment between ministerial oversight and operational independence.
Strong governance frameworks are essential because SETAs manage substantial levy income from employers and play a pivotal role in implementing the National Development Plan’s human capital objectives. Weak controls can lead to irregular expenditure, delayed projects, and diminished employer confidence in the skills levy system.
For higher education institutions and TVET colleges that partner with INSETA on programme delivery, stability at the authority is critical. Collaborative projects involving curriculum development, lecturer development, and workplace exposure depend on predictable funding and administrative efficiency.
Impact on Learners and the Insurance Sector
Students and interns supported by INSETA programmes stand to benefit most from restored operational stability. Unpaid allowances create immediate financial hardship and can force learners to abandon studies. The directive’s focus on expediting these payments signals recognition of the human cost of governance disputes.
Employers in the insurance industry rely on INSETA to supply a steady stream of qualified candidates. Prolonged uncertainty risks skills gaps in specialised areas such as short-term insurance, retirement fund administration, and compliance with the Financial Sector Regulation Act.
Broader economic ripple effects include potential delays in transformation initiatives aimed at increasing representation of previously disadvantaged individuals in professional roles within the sector.
Future Outlook and Recommended Steps
Resolution of the current standoff will likely require either negotiated compliance or judicial clarification of the boundaries between board powers and ministerial directives. Whichever path is taken, the episode offers an opportunity to strengthen governance protocols across all SETAs.
Recommended measures include clearer guidelines on suspension procedures, mandatory independent audits at regular intervals, and enhanced training for Accounting Authority members on public entity governance. Greater transparency in reporting on student fund performance would also rebuild stakeholder trust.
The Department of Higher Education and Training continues to monitor developments closely, with parliamentary oversight expected in the coming weeks. Stakeholders across the post-school education ecosystem will be watching for evidence that interventions translate into tangible improvements in service delivery.
Photo by Chethana Muniswamygowda on Unsplash
Links to official statements and further reading can be found on the Department of Higher Education and Training website and reputable news outlets covering the sector. Institutions and individuals seeking opportunities in higher education administration or skills development roles may explore current openings through established platforms.
