Hi everyone 👋
Let’s talk about the: QCTO Provincial SDP Forums📣
Many of you will know that I recently stepped into the role of Chairperson of the QCTO Gauteng SDP Forum. What I love about this initiative is that it gives private SDPs and Assessment Centres a QCTO-commissioned platform to be heard.
Each province has its own Forum and Chairperson, creating a direct channel for SDPs to raise their challenges, concerns and questions – it’s also importantly a conduit for suggestions and ways we can improve.
This data will then be used to identify trends and inform reports in order to engage constructively with the QCTO.
So, if something is frustrating you, confusing you or you have the best idea on how to make the system work then please regularly capture that in the centralised, national Feedback Form.
Also below are the QR codes for all nine Provincial Forum WhatsApp groups, so find yours and get involved. The more SDPs participate, the stronger the voice from our sector becomes 👏
Yours in skills,
Andrea
QCTO & SETA NEWS
QCTO, DHET, PROFESSIONAL BODY & SETA NEWS:
QCTO: Here is the latest communication from the QCTO Private Providers’ Provincial Forum announcing a Feedback Form for all SDPs and other stakeholders to share QCTO-related challenges, trends and possible solutions. Feedback will help identify common issues for engagement with the QCTO. Have your say here. Gauteng SDPs can also join the WhatsApp Group and register as a Forum member….see QR codes above for the other provinces.
SAQA: published communication regarding the transitional arrangements – i.e: the move from legacy qualifications to Occupational Qualifications. Read more here.
QCTO: hosted a Council Workshop focused on strategic reflection, policy review and strengthening its collective commitment to advancing the objectives of the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework. Read more here.
QCTO: continues its focus on capacity building within CET and TVET Colleges as institutions transition to Occupational Qualifications. Read more here.
CHE: published Communiqué 7 of 2026: Implementation of the Revised HEQSF and Reminder of the Regulatory Requirements for Offering Higher Education Programmes. Access it here.
ETDP SETA: issued communication regarding the extension of individual unit standards. Read the communication here and view the list of ETDP SETA Extended Unit Standards here.
MQA: issued communication on the Withdrawal of ISO Certification on QCTO Accreditation as a requirement for Occupational Qualifications, Part Qualifications and Skills Programmes. Read more here.
MQA: will be hosting the third Research Colloquium during the month of October 2026. This year’s Research Colloquium will be anchored by the flagship study, “Future-Ready Skills for the Critical Minerals Value Chain in South Africa”, undertaken in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Read more here.
AGRISETA: released the August edition of the Connect newsletter, celebrating Women’s Month under the theme “Empowered Women Empower The Nation” and sharing the latest AgriSETA news and sector updates. Read more here.
SERVICES SETA: released the August 2026 edition of its Services SETA Pulse newsletter, featuring the latest news, programmes, initiatives and developments from across the services sector. Read more here.
EWSETA: issued guidance for learners, SDPs and host employers regarding learner stipend payment queries and escalations. Find out more here.
INSETA: has issued notice of its 2026 Annual General Meeting taking place on 27 November 2026. Stakeholders are invited to RSVP, with the RSVP deadline set for 13 November 2026. Read more here.
W&R SETA: invites stakeholders to its 2026 Annual General Meeting, taking place on 14 October 2026 at 17H00 in Durban. Venue to be confirmed. Register here.
Services Seta:
Has withdrawn its Regular Discretionary Grant Funding Window DG2026/27-02 and Special Projects Funding Window SP2026/27-03 following approval of its new Discretionary Grant Policy. Previously submitted applications will not proceed to evaluation or award, and applicants will need to submit new applications when new funding opportunities are announced. Read more here.
Bank Seta Discretionary Grant Funding Window, closing 12 October 2026
BankSeta invites registered levy-paying employers, Federations/Trade Unions and Sector/Industry organisations to apply for its 2026/27 Discretionary Grant Funding Window for Special Projects, covering Reskilling, Online Short Courses and IT Programmes.. Find out more here.
Fasset Training Incentive Grant (TIG), closing 31 October 2026
Fasset invites registered employers and organisations within the sector that have provided training to their employees from 1 April 2026 to date to apply for the 2026/27 Training Incentive Grant. Email fa**************@********rg.za to request for the application pack.
We also have some new OHS titles coming soon:
Including three Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Ensurer programmes at Essential, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Take a look at our training materials web page or download the full list of programmes:
WHOOP WHOOPS
Congratulations to the following organisations for achieving their QCTO accreditations with us and well done to our super-duper, enthusiastic and energetic accreditation partners:
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: join Thrive Community…a just-in-time, day-by-day account of the QCTO and Seta goings-on. Full of titbits, info, insights and offers….link here:
