WHOLE SAY February 2016 Newsletter ITUP Graduation Ceremony Soweto Youth Development Expo SMME Roadshows 2016 W&RSETA Mandatory and Discretionary grants
A befitting celebration for Western Cape ITUP beneficiaries It was a jubilant moment at the Zolane Community Centre in Nyanga, Cape Town on 9 February as 116 Informal Traders received certificates for completing training programmes through the Informal Traders Upliftment Project (ITUP). ITUP is a joint project between the W&RSETA and Department of Small Business Development (The dsbd) which was launched in 2014 as part of the multimillion rand strategy on informal businesses, the National Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS). The objective of ITUP was to capacitate 1000 informal traders nationally to increase their profitability and sustainability through skills development. The project also aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the businesses and infrastructure improvements of the informal traders. 992 informal traders have completed training programmes through the pilot implementation of the project. Minister Blade Nzimande, W&RSETA Acting CEO, Mr Andile Sipengane, Minister Lindiwe Zulu with one of the beneficiaries at the certification ceremony Informal traders received training from various TVET colleges across the province on modules such as Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Advertising and Promotion; Customer Care and Service; Basic Financial Management; Purchasing; as well as addressing legal issues and compliance, amongst others. The beneficiaries were also provided with equipment as part of the infrastructural support to the traders. In his opening address, Acting CEO, Mr. Andile Sipengane highlighted that ITUP is a very unique programme which not only provides coaching and mentoring but also addresses the infrastructural requirements of the informal traders to equip them to run their businesses efficiently. Two of the beneficiaries Jasmine Page and Mzukisi Mahlakahlaka shared testimonies on how the project had transformed their businesses. Their stories bear testimony that the project is indeed making a difference in the lives of informal traders. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms. Lindiwe Zulu was overly excited about the milestones that ITUP had made towards small business development which was one of Government s key priorities. The ITUP is the best thing that has ever happened to small businesses. Government must ensure a conducive environment for small traders to operate in order to change the face of small businesses and grow the economy. It will be pleasing to see informal businesses transforming to a point where they are able to create more jobs in future, said Minister Zulu. W&RSETA Acting CEO, Mr Andile Sipengane 2
A befitting celebration for Western Cape ITUP beneficiaries The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande was delighted at the partnership with TVET Colleges in the implementation of this project. Dr. Nzimande commended the colleges for heeding the call to open the doors of leaning for all by partnering with the SETA to provide the training. Minister Nzimande, W&RSETA Acting CEO, Mr Sipengane and DG of Small Business Development, Ms Vries with a group of Informal Traders at the certification ceremony The Minister also took the opportunity to announce the implementation of ITUP II. I am very pleased that the project was extended to rural communities because more often we focus on urban communities and neglect those who are really in need of assistance. I am proud to announce that both the W&RSETA and The dsbd have set aside R10 million for ITUP phase II which will assist another 1000 informal traders across the country. I look forward to a few years from now when the investment will be increased to reach more beneficiaries said Dr Nzimande. The certification will be concluded during March in Gauteng and Northern Cape, respectively. W&RSETA - NEWSLETTER 3
The Deputy President visits the youth of Soweto The W&RSETA joined government in a drive to assist young people to make informed decisions about their careers by showcasing education and training opportunities through the Youth Development Expo which was held at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus on 20 February 2016. The event was graced by the Deputy President of the country, Honourable Cyril Ramaphosa who interacted with the youth on different issues affecting them such as career guidance, education and training, entrepreneurship and health. The Expo was the latest in a series of outreach events in which government and its institutions in partnership with the private sector will engage with young people on pertinent issues affecting the youth. The W&RSETA stand at the Expo The Deputy President was accompanied by a high profile delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers from the following portfolios: Higher Education and Training, Small Business Development, Public Works, Postal Services, Labour, Women and The Presidency. The MEC of Education in Gauteng, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi and the Johannesburg City Mayor Mr. Parks Tau were also amongst the delegation. In his address, Mr. Ramaphosa emphasised government s commitment to youth development and that investing in youth is the best investment towards the future of the country. Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa interacting with the youth The Deputy President encouraged the youth to consider studying at TVET colleges which focus on areas that have been identified as scarce and critical skills in the economy of the country. We are gathered here today to introduce some of the many opportunities that exist for the youth. This is a unique showcase of study and career opportunities offered by government, various agencies and the private sector. You should leave here with a better understanding of the scarce and critical skills that we need to be more competitive and efficient and to grow our economy, said the Deputy President. Mr. Ramphosa further went on to say that We have a shortage of artisans. Many of these qualifications can be acquired at TVET colleges. Government is investing significantly in these colleges. We are also leading efforts to strengthen partnerships between colleges and the private sector. 4
The Deputy President visits the youth of Soweto He also commended the local entrepreneurs for taking initiatives to create jobs around Soweto thereby contributing to the country s economy. We are inspired by the success of new entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of the booming tourism industry in Soweto, and the many entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries. It is our local entrepreneurs who will ultimately create the millions of jobs that we need to grow an inclusive economy, he said. Deputy President Honourable Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mr Mduduzi Manana The Expo targeted Grade 11 and 12 learners as well as young people who are neither in employment or education and those who are interested in entrepreneurship. W&RSETA - NEWSLETTER 5
National SMME roadshows reach over 1400 small business owners The W&RSETA embarked on a month-long SMME national roadshow campaign in February aimed at engaging small business owners on opportunities available for the SMME sector through its comprehensive developmental strategy. From Thohoyandou to Kroonstad, right up to Upington, the SETA interacted with over 1400 stakeholders during the campaign which commenced on 3 February 2016. Stakeholders in Mafikeng The roadshows took a holistic approach by incorporating other Government institutions that play a pivotal role in SMME development to address matters such as funding, market access, compliance and non-financial support. These role players include the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), South African Revenue Services (SARS), Companies Intellectual Property Corporation (CIPC) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Small business owners and aspiring business owners engaged the SETA and the institutions that were represented on the challenges that they face in operating their businesses or starting one. Stakeholders met with excitement the announcement of the implementation of phase II of the Informal Traders Upliftment Project (ITUP) which will benefit an additional 1000 informal traders. The SETA will also launch the Rural And Townships Economies Revitalisation Programme Stakeholders at the roadshow in Kroonstad, Free State (RATERP) for 6000 beneficiaries. The objective of RATERP is two-fold; to equip existing small, micro and informal businesses with skills to improve their businesses and assist the youth and retrenched employees to start new businesses. Stakeholders in Mpumalanga being engaged during the roadshow W&RSETA SME Executive Manager, Sindiso Malaku addressing stakeholders in Limpopo 6
GRANT APPLICATIONS - 2016/2017 ( Mandatory and Discretionary Grants ) The Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) hereby invites Grant applications for the 2016/17 financial year from qualifying levy paying companies within the Wholesale and Retail Sector. In line with the Grant Regulations, Gazette no. 35940 of 3 December 2012, the following documents must be completed and submitted electronically on the W&RSETA Indicium System which is accessible from the website: www.wrseta.org.za: ATR 2015/2016 WSP 2016/2017 PIVOTAL Report 2015/2016 PIVOTAL Plan 2016/2017 (All documents above are referred to as ANNEXURE II) Stakeholders are invited to apply for 2016/2017 PIVOTAL programmes that address scarce and critical skills in line with the 2015/16 Sector Skills Plan. Please refer to the table below for the PIVOTAL interventions which will be funded by the W&RSETA. The list is also available from the W&RSETA website www.wrseta.org.za The National Top 10 Scarce Occupation Skills list which can assist employers with alignment to the Sector Skills Plan, including scarce occupational skills is also accessible from the website. APPLICATION CRITERIA: The Discretionary Grants are allocated at the sole discretion of the W&RSETA subject to the availability of funds as well as specific criteria as per the W&RSETA Grants Policy and Guidelines. Applications to support rural areas and people with disabilities are encouraged. METHOD OF SUBMISSION: In our endeavor to continuously improve our practices, the SETA will be introducing for the first time an online WSP/ATR/PIVOTAL application process and will be rolled out for the 2016/17 financial year. Annexure II documents listed above must be completed and submitted electronically on the W&RSETA Indicium System which is accessible from www.wrseta.org.za : For further clarity relating to the completion of the Annexure II documents, please contact the relevant W&RSETA Regional Office. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 30 APRIL 2016 at Midnight W&RSETA - NEWSLETTER 7
NO INTERVENTION NUMBER OF LEARNERS GRANT PER LEARNER TO BE FUNDED 1 Learnership NQF 2 NQF 5 1800 (18.1) 1700 (18.2) R 15 000.00 R 39 000.00 2 Rural learnerships 500 (18.2) R 39 000.00 3 RPL 300 (18.1) R 11 250.00 4 Artisans 150 (18.1) Learnerships : R15 000.00 Apprenticeships : R42 000.00 5 Artisans 100 (18.2) Learnerships : R39 000.00 Apprenticeships : R42 000.00 6 Bursaries for Learners studying at HETI towards NQF 5, 6, 7 & 8 Wholesale and Retail related programmes 1075 (18.1) R 37 000.00 7 MBA (Masters) 20 (18.1) 8 PHD 5 (18.1) R110 000.00 (Maximum) R250 000.00 (Maximum) 9 Critical learning programmes 500 (18.1) R1250 (per unit standard, 6 unit standards maximum) 10 NQF 2-5 Skills Programmes 1000 (18.1) 500 (18.2) 11 AET NQF 1 250 (18.1) 250 (18.2) 12 Workplace Experience and Employment Grant for HET Graduates (12 months) R1250 (per unit standard, up to 6 unit standards maximum) R 15 000.00 R 39 000.00 1500 (18.2) Degree-R42 000.00 Diploma-R36 000.00 13 Workplace Experience and Employment Grant TVET Graduates (12months) 1000 (18.2) R 30 000.00 14 Work Integrated Learning Placements for TVET Final Year N6 Students (R2500pm) for 3, 6, 12, or 18 months (internships) 350 (18.2) R45 000.00 No extensions for the submission of Annexure II documents will be granted unless a request for such was received and approved by the W&RSETA Board one month prior to the cut-off date (30 April 2016). Stakeholders are advised to start working on their submissions early to avoid any problems that may result in late or non-submissions. All guideline documents on how to complete the Annexure II documents and the list of programmes to be funded from Discretionary Grants are available on www.wrseta.org.za 8
INVITATION TO ATTEND PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE NATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (NSDS) AND SETA LANDSCAPE Parallel to the call for public comment process of the Department of Higher Education and Training, the NSA will be convening Provincial public hearings that will inform the NSA advice to the Minister with respect to the NSDS and Seta landscape proposal beyond 2018. The PSDFs are still encouraged to submit their written inputs to the DHET before the expiry of the extended submission date of the 29 February 2016. The National Skills Authority (NSA) invites skills development stakeholders from Quality Councils SETAs, Government, Business, Labour, Education and Training Providers, Community Constituencies, Research Institutions, Professional Bodies and the general public to attend public hearings on the NSDS and SETA landscape beyond 2018. The NSA is a statutory advisory body established in 1999 in terms of Chapter 2 of the Skills Development Act (SDA) No 97 of 1998. The primary functions of the NSA are to advise the Minister of Higher Education and Training on matters of skills development in accordance with section 5 of the Skills Development Act. The NSA in partnership with Provincial Skills Development Forums (PSDFs) will be hosting public hearings in all Provinces to ensure the mobilisation of business, government, community and labour to take full ownership of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and SETA landscape. The objectives of the provincial public hearings are: To solicit recommendations on the NSDS and SETA Landscape beyond 2018. Update the Provinces on post-school education and training related policy matters. To monitor progress on the implementation of the NSDS III To understand the challenges facing each Province with respect to the post- school education and training needs W&RSETA - NEWSLETTER 9
The National Skills Authority will be in your Province PROVINCE DATE VENUE CONTACT GAUTENG 24 February 2016 Turffontein Race course Ms A Boyi (011) 556 9037 EASTERN CAPE 25 February 2016 East London City Hall Ms I Daniel (040) 609 6121 WESTERN CAPE 26 February 2016 Cape Town ICC Ms E Walters (021) 483 9201 NORTH WEST 29 February 2016 Mmabatho Convention Centre Ms T Letseli (018) 388 1076 MPUMALANGA 03 March 2016 Ingwenyama Lodge Nelspruit Mr K Matsane (013) 766 2386 NORTHERN CAPE 07 March 2016 Horse Shoe Inn Kimberly Ms R Benjamin (053) 802 5013 FREE STATE 11 March 2016 Protea Hotel Ms S Kabane Bloemfontein KZN 14 March 2016 Durban Imbizo Conference Centre Sibaya Casino (051) 409 8027 Mlekeleli Masondo (031) 274 4144 LIMPOPO 16 March 2016 Polokwane Royal Hotel Ms S Mokgaphane (015) 294 7720 The NSA will be visiting your Province as per the above schedule. All the hearings will be starting at 09:00-15:00. The discussion document can be accessed on the NSA website. Contact the NSA on www.nationalskillsauthority.org.za, 012 312 5666 or Mangubewa.S@dhet.gov.za for enquiries and more information. 10
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