Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are highly regulated entities. SETAs are established by the Skills Development Act No 97 of 1998. The funding of SETAs is regulated by the Skills Development Levies Act No 9 of 1999. The SETA must manage these funds in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the related regulations, including the Supply Chain Management Regulations. These Acts are amended from time to time and such amendments need to be factored into the work of the Services SETA.

SETA’s work is also guided by the South African Qualifications Act No 58 of 1995. Under the Act, SETAs can be Education and Training Quality Assurers (ETQA).

The National Qualifications Framework Act No 67 of 2008 and the 2008 amendments to the Skills Development Act (2008) established the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

The SETAs contribute to the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which emphasises the need for a skilled labour force to reduce poverty and promote equality. The National Skills Development Plan 2030 supports the NDP.