Since the inception of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in 1998, many companies have benefited from the initiatives undertaken by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA’s) they belong to. A large portion of the funds generated by the Skills Development Levies (SDL’s) has not been disbursed, mainly due to SMME’s not claiming back. SETA objectives in the last year or so have thus included a huge drive to include SMME’s in the registration, claiming back of levies as well as giving grants for learnership implementations etc.

Did you know?

• If you employ people you have to register and pay Skills Levy.
• You can claim up to 70% of your levy back from your SETA, depending on which SETA you are registered with.
• You or your franchisees can employ learners on specific learnership programmes that are partially funded by the SETA’s
• You receive a tax rebate if you appoint learners on learnership contracts
• You can get a strategic cash grant for specific skills development projects
• SETA’s are not averse to franchisors administering and claiming learnership grants on behalf of franchisees, if the franchisees agree to this.
• Franchisors can add tremendous value to franchisees by assisting them with their Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Reports
• Companies with an annual payroll less than R500 000 or less are now exempt from the Skills Levy

In general there are only a few franchisors who have capitalized on the various SETA initiatives and yet, there are enormous opportunities for South African franchisors (big and small) to contribute to the skills development in our country and empower their franchisees and staff through these initiatives.

For more information on how you can benefit from SETA initiatives, contact Annie on (011) 454 2235 or annie@franchisingplus.co.za