How the Skills Development Fund Works in South Africa

 

 

The Skills Development Fund in South Africa is designed to help businesses grow through employee training and professional development. Every registered company that pays the Skills Development Levy (SDL) — 1% of its total payroll — contributes to this national fund managed by the SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority).

 

Businesses that pay these levies can claim back a portion of the funds by investing in accredited skills development programs for their staff. By submitting a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR), employers can access mandatory and discretionary grants to upskill their teams, improve productivity, and meet B-BBEE compliance targets.

 

Investing in staff training not only helps your company recover a large percentage of levies paid but also boosts employee motivation, retention, and performance — giving your business a competitive advantage in today’s market.

 

Key Benefits for Employers:

  • Claim back up to 69% of Skills Development Levies paid.

  • Improve B-BBEE Skills Development scorecard points.

  • Access funded training for staff through SETA-accredited programs.

  • Build a more skilled, productive, and compliant workforce.

 

Empower your team, grow your business, and make your Skills Development Levy work for you.

 

 

Meet Our Skills Development Funds Advisor

Auto Stylers Academy has partnered with Herman Horak, a specialist Training, BEE & Company Legislation Advisor — helping businesses maximise SETA Skills Development Levy refunds and benefit from funded training opportunities across South Africa.

 

Herman specialises in helping South African businesses maximise their Skills Development Levy refunds and access SETA funding opportunities.

With extensive experience in training compliance, B-BBEE legislation, and skills development strategy, he assists organisations in aligning their training initiatives with SETA requirements — ensuring full compliance and optimal financial return.

 

His services include:
• SETA accreditation guidance and submissions
• Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) & Annual Training Report (ATR) support
• Maximising Skills Development Levy (SDL) refunds
• BEE Skills Development scorecard optimisation
• Legislative compliance and training grant strategy

Herman Horak

Training, BEE & Company Legislation Advisor