SDA- How many of these facts do you know?

South Africa has identified skills development and training as crucial in addressing unemployment and inequality and promoting economic growth. With the government's target to train and upskill 30 million people by 2030, various initiatives and programs have been implemented to support leadership, apprenticeships, and bursaries in different economic sectors. In this article, we will explore ten exciting points related to skills development, training, and funding in South Africa that showcase the impact of these programs in promoting social justice, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

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The South African Government’s National Skills Development Plan 2030 outlines its commitment to training and upskilling 30 million people by 2030. It uses various funding models, including the Skills Development Levy (SDL), discretionary grants, and bursaries. The government has identified skills development and training as critical economic growth and social justice drivers, supporting the country's economic recovery and transformation agenda.

The Services SETA has been one of the leading contributors to skills development and training in South Africa, focusing on leadership, apprenticeships, and internships. Since 2014, the SETA has funded over 25,000 learnerships in the services sector, with a completion rate of over 80%. This has increased access to education and training for young people and has supported job creation in the services sector.

The Wholesale and Retail SETA has also been instrumental in promoting skills development and training in the retail industry. In the 2020/2021 financial year, the SETA trained over 35,000 learners in various skills development programs, with a completion rate of over 90%. This has led to improved productivity and quality of service in the retail sector and has supported entrepreneurship and job creation.

The Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services SETA has provided over R1.6 billion in grants to support skills development and training in the manufacturing and engineering sector since 2010. This has increased access to education and training for young people and has supported the development of skilled labor in the manufacturing and engineering industries.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has contributed to promoting access to higher education for disadvantaged students in South Africa. In the 2020 academic year, the NSFAS provided over R35 billion in financial assistance to over 800,000 students, supporting their education and promoting social justice.

The Information Technology SETA has launched a program to train and upskill 1,000 young women in the tech sector through learnerships and internships. This has promoted diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and has supported the development of skilled labour in the digital economy.

The FoodBev SETA has launched a program to provide skills development and training to informal traders in the food and beverage industry. This has supported entrepreneurship and job creation in the informal sector and has promoted social justice by providing access to education and training for marginalized communities.

The Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) has developed a program to train and support women in the trucking industry. This has addressed the gender gap in the sector and has supported the development of skilled labour in the transport industry.

9. The SDA process, which repatriates victims of apartheid-era crimes, has paid over R1.2 billion to more than 20,000 beneficiaries as of September 2021. This has provided reparations and closure to victims of historical injustices, promoting social justice and reconciliation.

The government's commitment to skills development and training has increased access to education and training for young people, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation and promoting social justice. Through collaboration between government, SETAs, and private sector stakeholders, South Africa is well-positioned to achieve its goal of training and upskilling 30 million people by 2030.

Conclusion: South Africa's commitment to skills development and training is crucial in promoting social justice, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The various initiatives and programs that have been implemented have supported the development of skilled labour, increased access to education and training, and provided reparations to victims of historical injustices. As South Africa continues its economic recovery and transformation agenda, skills development and training will drive growth and promote social justice.

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela.

To book your free skills consultation and learn more about skills development and training opportunities to change the world of your employees and colleagues, visit us now at www.apexlaw.co.za.