The South African Skills Development Programme is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting and developing skills among South African workers. The programme was introduced in 1998 through the Skills Development Act and is overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The programme is designed to address the skills shortage in South Africa and ensure that the country’s workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to drive economic growth and development. The programme provides funding and support for various training initiatives, including learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and skills programmes.
Employers in South Africa are required to contribute to the Skills Development Levy, which is used to fund the Skills Development Programme. The levy is calculated as a percentage of the employer’s annual payroll and is payable to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on a monthly basis.
The Skills Development Programme has been instrumental in developing the skills of the South African workforce and improving their employability. It has also helped to address the country’s unemployment rate by providing training opportunities and supporting job creation initiatives.