SERVICES SETA restores dignity and opportunities

In celebration of the transformative impact made by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SERVICES SETA), whose generous contribution of R9.3 million towards clearing historical student debt has empowered 155 graduates to pursue their dreams, the Advancement Department hosted the inspiring SERVICES SETA Certificate Handover Ceremony.

The ceremony, which was held at the at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre, shone a spotlight on how teamwork between universities and skills development partners can open new doors for young people across South Africa. In his opening remarks, Advancement Department Director Mandla Maseko noted that the event stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when people invest in education and uplift “our future leaders”.

Advancement Department’s Donor Researcher and Database Officer, Lynn Hendricks, said 73% of the students were enrolled in Business, Management, and Services-related fields, directly aligned with Services SETA priorities. “Most of the qualifications were students who had completed an Advanced Diploma upwards doing Business, Management, Services, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and Environmental Management.”

Hendricks continued: “We encourage prospective students to take up bursary opportunities, especially if they are coming from poor backgrounds.” Furthermore, Hendricks said: “We are also happy to report that the SERVICES SETA gave us R20 million in March 2026 for first-year students, and this will ensure that First-Time Entering New students who are not getting NSFAS are assisted to sustain their education at the University.

“We are pleased of the strengthened relationship with the SETA. The rising student debt is a concern. The previous week, parliament discussed that stands at R59 billion blocking 165 000 qualification certificates.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo highlighted how important it is for universities and SETAs to work closely together. He explained that these partnerships help graduates gain the skills they need for today’s jobs and make sure they are ready to enter the workforce. According to Nhlapo, working together with skills development institutions is essential for producing graduates who can meet the demands of the labour market.

SERVICES SETA Acting Corporate Executive ManagerDuduzile Mwelase spoke passionately about how education can break the cycle of inequality and change lives. Mwelase praised the graduates for their resilience and determination in overcoming financial and personal obstacles and reaffirmed the SERVICES SETA's unwavering support for youth development, employability, student wellness, and greater access to opportunities.

As one of the beneficiaries, CPUT Convocation Executive Member, Lolwethu Luthuli, noted: “Today is not simply a certificate handover ceremony. Today is the restoration of dignity. Today is the reopening of dreams. Today is proof that hope can still win in South Africa.”

Luthuli, a lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, spoke about the crisis of student debt and locked human potential, stating that South Africa’s student debt crisis is now estimated to exceed R56 billion. “That is not simply a financial figure. That is millions of delayed dreams. Millions of anxious families. Millions of qualified young people are trapped outside the economy despite having the skills, qualifications, and willingness to contribute.”

In her appreciation of SERVICES SETA, she said: “That is why what Services SETA has done today matters so deeply. When SERVICES SETA committed R9.3 million towards unlocking 155 graduates at CPUT, they did not simply settle debt. They restored dignity. They reopened the opportunity. They released futures. And South Africa must understand this clearly: This is not charity.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za