Discretionary Grants

Discretionary grants are aimed at encouraging stakeholders to contribute towards skills development. The bulk of discretional funding is directed at the provision of PIVOTAL or learning programmes, which comprise the following:

• Learnerships
• Work Integrated Learning
• Internships
• Bursaries
• Skills programmes

All these training interventions are expected to result in qualifications or partial qualifications aligned to the National Qualifications Framework and as contemplated in the Grant Regulations.

CATHSSETA makes these funds available during a window period in which it accepts applications from the employers. The opening of this window is advertised on the CATHSSETA website, national and community radio stations, and national newspapers.

CATHSSETA also allocates discretionary funding to non-PIVOTAL programmes. These programmes do not lead to any qualifications, but are also aimed at developing our sub-sectors. These include any research projects that may be undertaken by CATHSSETA and partner organisations.

Ten percent of discretionary funding is also allocated to strategic projects addressing rural areas, TVET College Capacity building and Public Service training.

Discretionary Grants are allocated at the sole discretion of CATHSSETA depending on the availability of funds, adherence to specific criteria as per the CATHSSETA Discretionary Grants Policy and Guidelines, as well as approval from the CATHSSETA Accounting Authority.