Discretionary Grants

Discretionary Grants in South Africa are managed by the various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and are an integral part of the national skills development strategy. These grants are funded by the Skills Development Levies paid by employers and are allocated at the discretion of the SETAs to support specific training and skills development initiatives that align with the sector’s strategic priorities. The goal is to address critical and scarce skills shortages, promote sector-specific skills development, and enhance the employability of the workforce.

To apply for Discretionary Grants, employers, training providers, and other relevant stakeholders must respond to calls for applications issued by the SETAs. These calls are typically based on the sector’s skills needs analysis and may focus on areas such as learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and bursaries. Applicants must submit detailed proposals outlining their proposed training programs, including objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. The SETAs evaluate these proposals based on their alignment with the sector’s skills development goals and the potential impact on addressing skills gaps.

The purpose of Discretionary Grants is to foster innovation and address the specific skills needs within different sectors of the economy. By providing targeted funding for specialized training programs, these grants help develop a skilled and capable workforce that meets the demands of the evolving job market. Discretionary Grants play a crucial role in supporting both employers and employees by enhancing skills, increasing employability, and driving economic growth within South Africa.