Enough is Enough

Obtaining Accreditation as a Skills Development Provider in South Africa is no joke. It takes hard work, long hours, months of compiling the required documents, policies, procedures, learning material, comply with various rules, stipulations and regulations. Furthermore, the accredited provider needs to also apply for registration to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Various rumors and some interesting interpretations have been doing the rounds – it is a concern, and I need to place the following on record:

1.      The submission of concerns was compiled by me, for and on behalf of Training Providers nationwide, due to the number of calls, messages, emails and meetings that I have had. This submission took about 7 months to compile.

2.      Previously CCs, Co-Operatives, Trusts, NPCs, NPOs were not acknowledged nor accepted by the DHET – this was evident in the initial deadline of 30 June 2017 – I saw this with my own eyes, where providers were rejected at the doors of the DHET. This was taken up with the DHET and the Minister in August 2017. All accredited providers, no matter your entity status is acknowledged - so if you are a CC, NPC, NPO, Trust, Co-Operative, you need to apply for registration. Please note, that you must be accredited by either one of the SETAs or the QCTO, in order to apply for registration (not the other way around).

3.      The outdated application form, continues to confuse providers, as they are not public colleges – we know this. The information needed on the application must be completed as a private college (a Skills Development Provider is a private college in DHET’s eyes). Unfortunately not all Government Departments speak the same language – so get familiar with being referred to as a Training Provider, Private College, Skills Development Provider, Accredited Provider (they all the same).

4.      For SME providers that fall under the PIS100 score (See Companies Act of 2008), there is no need to have your Annual Financial Statement audited, as long as your Accountant have compiled it according to the Companies Act requirements.

5.      Currently, there are no deadline. Frankly speaking, the quicker you get on the list, the better. Remember, on the 19th August 2019 we received the Act No 12 of 2019: National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act, 2019 – it clearly states: “(h) Skills Development Provider means a provider that is registered with the Department in terms of the Continuing Education and Training Act, and is accredited by the QC for Trades and Occupations to offer occupational qualifications”.

6.      On point 3 of the letter, the Minister indicates that further relaxation be granted on the OHS Audit Report and the Financial Surety Agreement. Please don’t misinterpret this. In order to obtain exemption for these two important point, you need to request for exemption – it is NOT automatically given. Those who have guided providers by saying it is automatic – please stop giving the incorrect information – the Minister did not state that there is an automatic exemption given – the provider needs to request exemption with motivation. In order to get a copy of the letter, you are more than welcome to request it from me.

7.      The fact that consultants are charging Skills Development Providers between R50k to R70k is ridiculous – shame on you. 

Too many rumors going around which is most definitely a concern. Can we stop individuals guiding providers incorrectly, NO we cannot. But it is up to you to ensure that you get the correct information, and comply accordingly.

One can only post so many discussions on the DHET application for registration. 

Enough is Enough – get your house in order, comply and continue legally with upskilling learners. Do this right, do it ethical and go make a positive difference.