CATHSSETA

CATHSSETA: Developing Skills for South Africa’s Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sports Sectors

The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) is one of South Africa’s official Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), mandated to develop and promote skills within key sectors that contribute to the country’s social and economic growth.

CATHSSETA’s primary role is to facilitate skills development, accredit training providers, and fund education initiatives in the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, sports, and conservation sectors. It plays a critical part in building a skilled, capable, and employable workforce through the implementation of sector-specific learnerships, internships, bursaries, and skills programmes.

Working in close partnership with employers, training providers, government, and labour representatives, CATHSSETA identifies sectoral skills needs and ensures that education and training align with both industry requirements and national development goals. It supports South Africa’s National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) by increasing access to quality training and helping to bridge the gap between education and employment, especially for youth and historically disadvantaged individuals.

CATHSSETA’s services include:

• Accrediting training providers to ensure quality learning outcomes.

• Registering and funding learnerships that combine theoretical and practical learning.

• Supporting workplace-based learning to improve job readiness.

• Promoting transformation and equity in its focus sectors.

Through its initiatives, CATHSSETA contributes to a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, fostering growth in industries that are not only key economic drivers but also central to South Africa’s cultural identity and international appeal.

Whether you're a learner, employer, or training provider, CATHSSETA is a key enabler in shaping the future of South Africa’s tourism, creative, and sporting industries.