The 30 April is looming; It’s that time of the year again. Businesses should be compiling their workplace skills plan (WSP) and annual training report (ATR) and submitting them online before this deadline.

Skills development has become a strategic priority for enterprises wishing to attain or retain an acceptable B-BBEE level and also meet the requirements of the Skills Development Act. In addition, the WSP and ATR play a role in the creation of a demand-led skills development system which is reflective of the social and economic needs of South Africa.

Employers that pay total salaries of more than R500 000 per year are liable to pay a Skills Development Levy (SDL). The contribution is 1% of the total amount paid in salaries  to employees (including overtime payments, leave pay, bonuses, commissions and lump sum payments). You can claim back up to 20% of your SDL by submitting an ATR and WSP to the sector education and training authority (Seta) with which your business is registered. These payments, which are called mandatory grants, are paid by the Seta every quarter.

The WSP documents the skills needs in an organisation and describe the range of skills development interventions that an organisation will use to address these needs. Businesses are required to report against their WSP in an ATR that shows how they have addressed the priority skills defined in their WSP.

As per the Amended B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice October 2013, Skills Development is identified as a priority element. Submitting your WSP and ATR is a pre-requisite for recognising any points under Skills Development on your B-BBEE Scorecard.

In addition, you can claim back more of your contribution in the form a discretionary grant. This grant is allocated at the sole discretion of the Seta and depends on the availability of funds, adherence to specific criteria, and approval from the Seta’s accounting authority.

Ensure that you submit your ATR and WSP to your SETA by no later than 30 April 2022.