Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga Highlights Skills Development, Innovation and Recognition of Prior Learning as Key Drivers of Sector Growth
Services SETA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s funeral services industry through skills development, professionalisation and industry collaboration.
Speaking at the SAFPA International Convention 2026, Services SETA Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga stressed that the long-term sustainability of the funeral sector depends on building a pipeline of skilled and competent practitioners.
The convention brought together stakeholders from across the funeral services industry to discuss sector growth, professional standards and future industry development.
Skills Development Remains Central to Sector Growth
Addressing delegates at the convention, Lehlogonolo Masoga highlighted the role of continuous training and workforce development in improving service quality within the funeral services industry.
Key Message From Services SETA
According to Masoga:
“Skills development remains the foundation for raising standards and strengthening professional practice.”
The statement reflects increasing national focus on professionalising sectors that provide essential community services.
Funeral Sector Sustainability Depends on Skilled Practitioners
The funeral services sector continues playing an important role within South Africa’s economy and social support systems.
However, industry leaders increasingly recognise the need for:
- Formal qualifications
- Accredited training
- Continuous professional development
- Ethical business practices
- Strong customer service standards
Masoga warned that future sustainability will depend heavily on attracting and developing skilled professionals capable of responding to changing industry demands.
Innovation Must Be Supported by Continuous Learning
Lehlogonolo Masoga also stressed that innovation alone is not enough to sustain industry growth.
Important Industry Priorities
| Sector Priority | Importance |
|---|---|
| Continuous learning | Improves service standards |
| Reskilling | Supports industry adaptation |
| Innovation | Encourages operational efficiency |
| Sector responsiveness | Meets changing community needs |
| Professional training | Strengthens workforce quality |
Masoga stated:
“Innovation must always be matched with continuous learning, reskilling and sector responsiveness.”
This reflects broader trends across South Africa’s skills development environment where industries are increasingly expected to align training with evolving economic realities.
Recognition of Prior Learning Highlighted as Critical Tool
One of the major themes highlighted during the convention was the importance of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
What Is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Recognition of Prior Learning allows workers with existing practical experience and industry knowledge to obtain formal recognition for their competencies, even if they did not follow traditional academic pathways.
Benefits of RPL
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Formal recognition | Validates existing industry skills |
| Career progression | Opens advancement opportunities |
| Improved employability | Strengthens professional standing |
| Better service quality | Encourages professional standards |
| Industry transformation | Supports workforce development |
Masoga noted that RPL can help experienced funeral sector practitioners formalise their expertise while improving overall industry professionalism.
Industry Collaboration Remains Essential
Lehlogonolo Masoga also called for stronger cooperation between stakeholders within the funeral services sector.
Areas Requiring Collaboration
- Skills development initiatives
- Training partnerships
- Industry regulation
- Professional standards
- Innovation programmes
- Workforce development planning
According to Masoga:
“Let us continue to work together to raise standards, strengthen professional practice and drive innovation through skills development and meaningful partnerships.”
Why Professionalisation Matters in the Funeral Sector
The funeral services industry continues evolving as customer expectations, compliance requirements and operational demands increase.
Professionalisation may help the sector improve:
- Service quality
- Public trust
- Compliance standards
- Workforce competency
- Business sustainability
- Ethical conduct
For many stakeholders, structured skills development also creates pathways for young people entering the industry.
Skills Development and SETA Programmes Continue Expanding
Services SETA remains one of the country’s major Sector Education and Training Authorities supporting workforce development across multiple service industries.
The organisation continues supporting:
| Focus Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Learnerships | Workplace-based learning |
| Skills programmes | Industry-specific training |
| RPL initiatives | Formal recognition of experience |
| Discretionary grants | Sector development funding |
| Partnerships | Industry collaboration |
The funeral services sector increasingly forms part of broader discussions around accredited occupational training and service professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did Services SETA discuss at the SAFPA Convention?
The organisation highlighted skills development, professionalisation, innovation and Recognition of Prior Learning within the funeral services sector.
Who spoke at the convention?
Services SETA Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga addressed delegates at the event.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning?
RPL is a process that formally recognises skills and knowledge gained through workplace experience.
Why is professionalisation important in the funeral sector?
Professionalisation helps improve service standards, ethical practices and workforce competency.
What role does Services SETA play?
Services SETA supports skills development, training programmes and workforce development initiatives across service industries.
Final Thoughts
The message delivered by Services SETA at the SAFPA International Convention 2026 reflects growing recognition that skills development and professionalisation remain critical to the future of South Africa’s funeral services industry.
As sectors continue adapting to changing economic and operational realities, continuous learning, formal recognition of skills and stronger industry collaboration may become increasingly important in building sustainable and professional service environments.
