Here’s a clear and structured guide on how to apply for AgriSETA Mandatory Grants in South Africa, including what they are, who qualifies, and the steps required to apply successfully:
What Are AgriSETA Mandatory Grants?
- Mandatory Grants are funds given to employers who contribute to the Skills Development Levy (SDL) through SARS. AgriSETA returns 20% of these levies to employers who have submitted valid Skills Development Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs) (agriseta.co.za).
- These grants are reimbursed quarterly and support training and upskilling efforts within the company (agriseta.co.za).
Who Can Apply?
Employers who meet the following criteria are eligible:
- Registered with SARS as PAYE employers.
- Contribute R500,000 or more annually in salary and wages (including bonuses, overtime, leave pay, etc.) (agriseta.co.za).
- Have submitted a compliant WSP and ATR to AgriSETA on time:
- WSP and ATR should be submitted before 30 April each year (African Farming, agriseta.co.za).
Application Timeline & Process
1. Prepare & Submit WSP and ATR
- Complete your Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) and submit by 30 April annually (agriseta.co.za, African Farming).
2. Grant Payment Schedule
Once your submission is approved, you’ll receive grant payments quarterly. The payments cover Levy months up to the submission date:
- Payments typically occur in September, December, March, and June, each covering the preceding three-month periods (agriseta.co.za).
3. Use of Grants
- Funds are reimbursed directly to the employer’s bank account.
- Employers use these funds to support training initiatives, e.g., accredited courses, learnerships, workplace training (agriseta.co.za).
Action Plan for Employers
- Ensure compliance with SDL contributions and SARS registration.
- Prepare your WSP and ATR well in advance.
- Submit both reports by 30 April to qualify for reimbursement.
- Plan your training budget around the expected quarterly grant payments.
- Use grants wisely—invest them in accredited training that aligns with your business needs and utilizes SETA guidelines.
Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Register as an employer with PAYE and ensure SDL contributions |
| 2 | Prepare and submit WSP & ATR by 30 April |
| 3 | Receive mandatory grant payments quarterly (Sep, Dec, Mar, Jun) |
| 4 | Use grants for training aligned with AgriSETA criteria |
| 5 | Maintain records and plan future training initiatives |
Why This Matters
A Reddit user succinctly put the value of SETA contributions:
“SETA is a compulsory fee for companies… They get reimbursed the money if they spend it on accredited training or stuff like that.”
(Reddit)
Using Mandatory Grants effectively can offer a double benefit: enhancing your workforce’s skills while recouping training costs.
Need Help?
If you’d like assistance with drafting your WSP/ATR, selecting accredited training, or ensuring your compliance timelines are met, feel free to ask!
