By 
JOHANNESBURG, 15 September 2025 – The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) has taken a firm zero-tolerance stance against corruption following the arrest of its Mpumalanga regional manager.
As reported, the 34-year-old manager was arrested in Malelane on Saturday, 13 September 2025, for allegedly extorting R40,000 from a service provider.
“The merSETA views these allegations in a very serious light. The merSETA is deeply troubled by these allegations of extortion,” said merSETA Acting CEO, Naphtaly Mokgotsane.
“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics. We will not tolerate any form of corruption within our ranks. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation to ensure that justice is served.”
The regional manager was scheduled to appear before the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 September 2025. The merSETA is in support of the call by Major General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, who urged other service providers that may have been victims of similar extortion schemes to come forward.
“Our mandate is to facilitate crucial skills development for the economic growth of South Africa. This can only be achieved through transparent and ethical partnerships with our service providers,” added Mokgotsane.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our processes are fair and that our resources are used for their intended purpose—to skill the nation.”
In line with the merSETA’s internal policies and governance procedures, appropriate steps are being taken to address the matter while ensuring minimal disruption to operations. merSETA would like to assure stakeholders, partners, and the public that the organisation remains committed to integrity, good governance, and service excellence.
