NEWSLETTERFACTS F A S S E T

Seta for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and Other Financial Services.

NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2009

Fasset urges stakeholders to participate in Seta public hearings

INSIDEThe current operating license for the twenty three Sector Education Training Authorities (Setas) expires on the 31st March 2010. As

part of the re-establishment process, Setas were required to submit their Seta re-establishment documentation to the Department of Labour (DoL) by the end of March 2009.

The National Skills Authority (NSA) has devel-oped guidelines for evaluating Seta sub-missions and has announced that Seta public hearings will be held in July 2009.

The final announcement on the future Seta landscape, will, however, only be made at the National Skills Conference in October 2009.

While the Department of Labour (DoL) has remained “tight-lipped” about the future Seta landscape, there has been a lot of speculation and a number of possible Seta landscapes have been mooted, including mergers (with anything between 5-9 Setas being established); clustering a number of Setas, with independent Setas op-erating under the control of a common Manage-ment Board; or retaining the status quo.

Fasset’s Management Board took the decision more than a year ago, that it believed it would be in the sector’s best interest if Fasset remained independent. This view was substantiated by respondents in Fasset’s recent Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey. “All professional bodies, nine out of ten training providers and 86% of respondents surveyed were opposed to any kind of merger. Respondents felt that Fasset was

a well-run institution, which generally served the sector well, and should not be tampered with. They fear that in the event of a merger, Fasset levy paying members could be marginalised,” Fasset CEO, Cheryl James explains.

James says it is imperative that Fasset stakeholders – employers, employees and trade union representatives engage in the Seta public hearings and take responsibility for having their say in determining Fasset’s future. “It is critical that the NSA hears your voice. Employers, employees, trade union representatives, members of professional bodies and tuition providers are at the coal-face in terms of identifying actual skills needs and identifying the most effective way to develop the necessary skills. You are best placed to report on Fasset’s performance and the best way to meet skills needs in the sector, going forward,” she observes.

James attributes Fasset’s ability to meet both National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) targets, and the sector’s needs to strong partnerships and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders within the sector. “Fasset is very proud of its 100% placement rate for learners on completion of Fasset learnerships and its 90% placement rate for learners who have completed Fasset-funded Work Readiness Programmes. This achievement is only possible because of the absolute congruence between Fasset’s learnerships and skills needs within the sector.

>>>> Continued on next page

1 Fasset urges stakeholders to participate Fasset urges stakeholders to participate

in Seta public hearings

2 From the CEO’s desk

2 Editor’s Note

3 Fasset empowers its own

3 Fasset welcomes ACCA as a new QAP

3 1000th learner signed onto Thusanani Work

Readiness Programme

4 QE2 Financial Management learners come out tops

4 Making an impact

4 Fasset signs a memorandum of understanding with

Sci-Bono

5 The National Skills Fund opens a funding window

5 Feeling truly appreciated

6 QCTO update

6 Disability Toolkit will soon be launched

6 Updated Scarce Skills Guide Available

6 Mandatory grant deadline approaches

7 Fasset receives applications for the SCG

7 LCG applications increase

7 Record attendance at Budget & Tax 2009 Update

8 Strong support for mentoring and coaching event

8 Introductory SDF training event proves popular

8 Lifelong learning events in the year ahead

labourDepartment:LabourREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

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could count on their support in the event of public hearings. A long-standing member asked us which car park he should “toyi toy in”. Once again our stakeholders do not want Fasset to remain as it is for the sake of staying: his argument was that Fasset provides the sector with what it needs. Going forward, he is prepared to fight tooth and nail for Fasset.

As part of our resubmission process, we looked for opportunities to work closely with other Setas. This is something that Fasset has done since the Seta’s inception. We have collaborated with

the BANKSETA on a number of lifelong learning events.

During the past financial year, we collaborated on the

Thusanani Work Readiness Programme. We have also

collaborated with the Local Government Seta, MERSETA

and Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) for the delivery of the

N Q F Level 3 AAT Certificates. The maturity of the system, and the fact that the Setas have got the necessary structures in place, makes this possible.

We are seeing an ever increasing number of cross Seta interventions for professions such as accounting, which fall across the 23 Setas. With the introduction of NSDS III on 1 April 2010, the sum of the parts will definitely be far greater than the whole.

While there has been some instability during the past three months, this has brought with it a lot of opportunities, such as working more closely with some of the other Setas. This maturity will enable us to grow, into a much better Seta coherent unit in the next phase of the National Skills Development Strategy and in this way to increase the pool of skilled people across all sectors of the South African economy.

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From the CEO’s desk

Editor’s Note

Marelda Moodley

Cheryl James

>>>> Continued from previous page

This achievement confirms that Fasset and all of its stakeholders are of one mind when it comes to skills development,” James argues.

While some may regard a BANKSETA, INSETA and Fasset merger as a “natural clustering of Setas”, the Management Boards of all three Setas believe it is in the best interests of the larger financial sector if the three Setas were to remain independent. “One of the inherent dangers associated with creating a mega structure is the inability of mega structures to respond nimbly and quickly to sector needs. There is also the danger that the further you get away from your stakeholders on the ground; the more you lose direct contact with what their skills planning needs are. This would impact very negatively on Seta delivery,” she cautions. James believes it is dangerous to change organisations that are working. “If the so-called ‘performing Setas’ were merged with the ‘poor performers’, you would bring down the average in terms of performance, and end up with very average performance at best. You would also lose Centres of Excellence,” she observes.Her greatest concern, however, is the potential loss of up to eighteen months in delivery, in the event of Seta mergers. “We cannot afford to lose delivery time. We have such a high skills need in the country that we would support the Department of Labour leaving the Setas as they are and working with those that are struggling, to raise the bar, rather than implementing a system which would slow delivery down in the long-term,” she explains.James says the Seta public hearings provide a fantastic opportunity to exploit Seta learnings garnered over the past nine years and to disseminate and distill Seta Best Practice. “Synergies and learnings should be harvested, to ensure that the future Seta landscape that emerges will be able to catapult in South Africa’s skills revolution to new heights. It is important never to lose sight of the fact that strong delivery on the skills development front is a pre-requisite for ensuring that South Africa is able to achieve its vision of ‘a better life for all,’” James concludes.

The first three months of 2009 have been very exciting. Our Budget and Tax update was very well supported with 5 060 attendees

in total. The fact that this number is increasing, year-on-year confirms our sector’s commitment to Fasset product offerings. Even more importantly, it confirms our sector’s commitment to training during hard times. Despite the fact that businesses are now starting to feel the pinch from the global downturn, our stakeholders are committed to keeping up to date and ensuring that their skills remain at the cutting edge.

Particularly gratifying is the fact that more and more small businesses are now bringing their clerks as well as some of their other employees to events such as our Budget and Tax update. There has been a definite mental shift in people’s commitment to skill development.

Strongly supported by our Management Board and other stakeholders, we submitted our Seta re-establishment documentation to the Department of Labour in March. Hopefully, the outcome will be positive.

When we were in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town recently, we informed our members that we were submitting our re-establishment documentation. We asked them whether we

Fasset Empowers its own

Fasset has always encouraged all of its em-ployees to improve their skills levels. It was a very proud moment for the entire Fasset

team when Office Attendant, Pearl Thomo, re-cently completed ABET Level 4.

Pearl joined the ABET Programme at Level 1 in 2004. Her hard work and commitment has paid off. Recognising her achievement, she has recently been assigned additional responsibili-ties and is really looking forward to assisting with filing, photocopying and binding.

Pearl hopes to further her studies. “My idea is to learn more about computers or even Re-ception work,” she explains.

Having completed ABET, Pearl explains that she is now able to check her monthly bank statement. She has found this very empowering.

“It is a good thing to go to school, no matter whether you are old or young, it is the right thing,” she observes.

Pearl actively encourages young girls in her community to apply for learnerships. “I usually give them my work phone numbers. I tell them learning is a good thing. It is far better than sit-ting at home, doing nothing. I tell them people will not hire them, even with a Standard 10, unless they have some skills,” Pearl concludes.

Fasset welcomes ACCA as a new QAP

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has been accredited by Fasset as a Quality

Assurance Partner. This brings the number of Fasset QAPs to five. QAPs are professional bodies who have sufficient resources and processes to conduct quality assurance functions, for their qualifications, on behalf of Fasset. Fasset however still retains the responsibility for quality assurance. The ACCA has two learnerships with Fasset, Professional Qualification: Chartered Certified Accountant and Certificate: Certified Accounting Technician.

to ensure that the future Seta landscape that emerges will be able to catapult in South Africa’s skills revolution to new heights. It is important never to lose sight of the fact that strong delivery on the skills development front is a pre-requisite for ensuring that South Africa is able to achieve its vision of ‘a better life for all,’” James concludes.

We have entered into our tenth year of operation and are rapidly ap-proaching March 2010 when our

Seta operating license will expire. As mentioned in our lead story, we only have a few weeks to go before the public hearings on the future Seta landscape are held. The final announcement on the future Seta landscape will be made at the National Skills Conference in October 2009 and Fasset is looking forward to a favourable outcome.

Looking back at year nine, we all worked ex-tremely hard to meet and in some instances, even exceed our NSDS II targets. Due to stakeholder commitment to skills development in our sec-

tor, Fasset was recognised by tor, Fasset was recognised by the Department of Labour,

at the National Skills Conference in Oc-

tober 2008, as South Africa’s

top performing Seta and we hope to achieve similar results again this year.

As can be seen in our CEO’s Report and in the articles on lifelong learning and Develop-ment Projects, there is an ever increasing sup-port of Fasset’s skills uplifitment initiatives. We achieved a record attendance at our Budget and Tax Update and, on the Development Proj-ects front, we celebrated the 1000th learner being signed onto the Fasset funded Thusunani Programme. To date Fasset has assisted more than 13 000 learners on Development Projects. We are also very proud of Munga Muvezwa and Mpho Mogaba, who were among the top ten learners in the Fasset funded Thutuka QE2 project. These learners have certainly embraced Fasset’s motto – “Make the Future Count.”

In this issue also read about Fasset’s MoU with the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, the first step toward implementing our new, dedicated, Learner Marketing Campaign.

Be sure to diarise the submission date, 30 June 2009, for the combined ATR 2008/09 and WSP 2009/10 (Mandatory Grant) as this deadline is not negotiable.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our stakeholders for their continued support which fueled Fasset’s successes in the past finan-cial year and it’s that support that will drive us towards exceeding our NSDS targets again, in the year ahead.

1000th learner signed onto Thusanani Work Readiness Programme

Fasset, the University of Johannesburg, Stan-ley Hutcheson & Associates and Deloitte had good reason to celebrate recently

when the 1 000th learner was signed onto the Thusanani Work Readiness Programme.

Twenty-three year old Itumeleng Phiri was ab-solutely thrilled to learn that she was the 1 000th learner to be signed onto the programme. “It means a lot. We are seen as ambassadors. Be-ing on the programme equates to success. All that I have to do is grab this opportunity with both hands and run with it.”

Fasset has funded 840 of these learners. The balance, are BANKSETA learners, who complet-

ed the programme last year after Fas-set’s Management Board agreed that the BANKSETA could participate in the contract flowing from Fasset’s competitive bid process.

The programme has achieved a placement rate of around 90%. Learners have been placed in leading organisations such as Accenture, KPMG, JSE, Deloitte, Transnet, Pegasus, Ned-bank, Ernst & Young, Absa and Nedbank.

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Fasset has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. A Gauteng Department of Education

and private sector initiative, the Centre seeks to support education in mathematics, science and technology and to promote career awareness in these critical areas of the economy.

Fasset participated in Sci-Bono’s highly successful Finance Careers Week. “Fasset had an opportunity to interact with 4 000 of the top Grade 11 and Grade 12 Accounting and Mathematics learners in Gauteng. Having

provided learners with information about the myriad of career options available in our sector, as well as information about Fasset funded Development Projects, we hope that a number of these learners will now consider pursuing a career in the Fasset sector,” James explains.

In addition to participating in exhibitions, Fasset has also agreed to make career information available to schools, design a career matrix and develop case studies for school projects.

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SizweNtsaluba VSP, trainee accountant,

David Chuene, was a candidate on the 2007 Bonani Work Readiness Programme. According to David, there are only three things in life that are guaranteed - tax, death and dependable delivery from Guarantee Trust Corporate Support Services (GTCSS), Fasset’s service provider for the Bonani Work Readiness Programme.

Having completed the nine-month Bonani Work Readiness Programme, David went for his first job interview. Disappointed when he was not offered employment, David thought he was not “quite ready” for the world of work. Thanks to the support of monitors, supervisors and the placement team, his self-confidence grew. “Thanks to the skills accumulated through the programme, I managed to secure a five-year SAICA learnership contract,” David explains.

Part of the so-called “A Team,” within a period of only six months he was rated as: “Capable with no supervision.” Following staff appraisals on the 31 December 2008, the “A team” was rated in the top 10% of the Financial Services Group.

“If I had a billion thanks, I would give 20% to FASSET, 20% to Department of Labour, 20% to the Trainees and 40% to Guarantee Trust,” he concludes.

Making an impact

Fasset signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Sci-Bono

Fasset Project Manager, Tania Lee (left), Fuarantee Trust

Corporate Support Services (GTCSS), PLacement Officer,

Glenn Moses (middle), and former Bonani

Learner, Sindiswa Nkosi (right).

The National Skills Fund opens a funding window

The National Skills Fund (NSF) has opened a funding window for Devel-opment Projects, which support growth

sectors of the South African economy. In order to qualify for funding, projects must address National Skills Development Strat-egy (NSDS) objectives, the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA) or the Apex Priorities announced by President Mbeki in his State of the Nation Address on the 8th February 2008.

Fasset is delighted to report that a number of its current Development Project providers are interacting with the NSF to see whether they can access funding for projects.

The strategic projects advertisement, the DoL 2009 Strategic Project Programme application format and the 2009 Strate-gic Project Programme application guide can be downloaded from Fasset’s website: www.fasset.org.za. This information appears in the Development Projects section of the website.

The first funding window closed on 30th April. A second funding window, will how-ever, open on 1 August 2009.

According to professional life success coach, motivational author and editor of “Achieve 60 second nuggets of inspira-

tion,” Steve Brunkhorst: “Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your ap-preciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times.”

While facilitating and enabling skills develop-ment is Fasset’s job as well as “the job” of pro-fessional bodies, service providers and training providers, receiving an unsolicited letter of thanks and appreciation from a learner, not only “warms the cockles of one’s heart,” but also serves as a stark reminder of the indelible difference that we can make in learner’s lives. For this reason we have decided to publish a letter, which we received from Nonhlanhla Nyewula.

Nonhlanhla was a beneficiary of the Fasset- funded QE 1 Repeat project and the subsequent project to assist learners, who had successfully passed the examination to prepare for QE2 Fi-nancial Management (read the QE2 Financial Management learners come out top story in this newsletter).

The South African Institute of Chartered Ac-countants (SAICA) has experienced a low pass rate over the past years from African and Co-loured candidates on the Qualifying Examina-tion 1 (QE 1). Thuthuka, SAICA’s transformation arm, identified the need to address the difficulties

faced by these learners through an intensive intervention.

In partnership with Fasset (the Seta for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and Other Financial Services), Thuthu-ka introduced the QE 1 Repeat Project, run by the University of Johannesburg, to increase the cur-rent overall pass rate at this level. The initiative is part of SAICA’s ongoing quest to transform the chartered accountancy profession in South Africa.

Fasset has agreed to fund 400 students in total.

Nonhlanhla writes:My joy is still not complete having not had the

opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the effort you all put in for me to qualify in both Board Exams in 2008.

Firstly, Chantyl and partners for having given birth to the idea of the Thuthuka project. It was all the support I needed to realise my dreams. I’m glad I took the opportunity with both hands as I realised if I fail after all that support I would not have any reason and might run the risk of losing confidence in myself forever.

I would also like to congratulate you on mak-ing sure you got us the “best of breed” lecturers. I think I did mention in my e-mail in June how pas-sionate, motivational, excellent in subject matter delivery, all of your staff were.

Getting to the second round: Auditing Spe-cialisation

Thanks Lindsey for your energy and passion for the subject. You were an inspiration to us being a very young CA, with all going and finding pas-sion for auditing you made us realise it could be done. I’m glad they have adopted you into the programme and you have thrown a different spin on things. As an adult, I’m proud of you. There is hope for SA if we have such young committed professionals. Keep it up. “Teaching appears to be your calling and with all the support from reputable professors the sky is the limit.”

Prof Ben, Alex and Peter thanks for everything you did. Your commitment to us in the Thuthuka programme was amazing. Each one of you, in your own special way, touched our lives. I re-member at times in the study group we used to discuss how we can’t let you down after your commitment and all of the support that you pro-vided.

Calming, assuring, putting us at ease, Prof Ben, no-one can do it Better Exam techniques/ Thought process - Peter you excel, Thought process / “Just think “ - Prof Alex, the message couldn’t have been any crystal clearer. just think - became our motto and we applied it especially for this years exam it was very appropriate. Once more thanks for everything, I’m glad and proud it was all for a good cause.

Nonhlanhla NyewulaGTS SSA GMR Business Controls LeadIBM Park.

Feeling truly appreciated

QE 2 Financial Managementlearners come out

When the QE1 results were released in June last year, it transpired that the first group of students on the

Thuthuka QE 1 Repeat Project achieved a 53% pass rate, against the national pass average of 30% for Black candidates. Based on these results, Fasset’s Management Board agreed to fund a project which would assist Thuthuka QE 1 Repeat Project learners, who had successfully passed the examination, to prepare for QE 2 Financial Management.

When the QE 2 results were announced in February Fasset was thrilled to learn that Munga Muvezwa and Mpho Mogoba were among the “top ten” candidates.

“I got into Accountancy because from an early age I was attracted by the core experience CA training gives, and the platform it provides, for careers in commerce and for business,” Munga explains.

He was very impressed by the professional way in which the programme was run and by the quality of lecturing and the quality of the

course material. “I was touched by how much everyone involved in organising the programme gave their commitment and constantly motivated us and showed how much they wanted us to pass. It was also inspiring to be around people who were fighting for the same thing as you,” he recalls.

Munga was surprised to learn that he was one of the “top ten”. “All you think about first is just to pass. I had worked hard and prepared well for the exam and my APT marks were high, so I felt confident. I had time to practice good exam techniques and applied these in the exam. I am sure this helped a lot.”

Mpho confides that she too has always wanted to become a CA. Learning that she was one of the top ten achievers was a humbling experience. “The intense lectures and tests helps one keep up to date with the work and thus making a vast impact in one’s QE preparations,” she concludes.

tops

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The Skill Development Amendment Act was gazetted in December 2008: the Quality Council for Trade and Occupations

(QCTO) has thus been officially established. Volumes of legislation for approval by Parliament are high: at this juncture there is no clarity as to when the legislation is likely to be promulgated. The 2nd June has, however been cited as a critical timeline.

Fasset is currently unable to provide any clarity in terms of how the QTCO will function, what it will entail and how the QCTO will be applied.

QCTO update Disability Toolkit will soon be launched

The Disability Toolkit will be launched at Fasset’s Diversity Management Event in July 2009. Devised as an information guide to

assist managers of Fasset member companies who wish to employ persons with disabilities, the toolkit provides information on the basic issues surrounding disability and the workplace, the benefits of employing people with disabilities, guidelines on relevant information pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities, practical practices to be followed when recruiting

people with disabilities, retention considerations and guidelines on changing workplace attitudes and environments.

Facts sheets, testimonials, case studies and a business case for employing people with disabilities are also provided.

Although the Disability Toolkit will be available in hard copy, stakeholders will be able to download the toolkit from Fasset’s website: www.fasset.org.za

Occupations with highest numbers of Scarce Skills

Rank Code OccupationNeed for Period

1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010

1 2211 Accountants 5076

2 5311 General Clerks 1028

3 1111 Chief Executives & Managing Directors (Enterprises/Organisations) 737

4 2247 Management and Organisation Analysts 460

5 5211 Personal Assistants 443

6 5512 Bookkeepers 434

7 2212 Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers 414

8 2223 Financial Investment Advisers and Managers 201

9 5421 Receptionists 169

10 1322 Finance Managers 114

* Source: Sector Skills Plan 2008/09

Updated Scarce Skills Guide Available

Fasset has recently updated its 2009/10 Scare Skills Guide. The Scarce Skills Guide, which targets educationalists, learn-

ers, parents, policy-makers, and education and training providers, can be downloaded from Fasset’s website: www.fasset.org.za under the Research section.

The guide identifies specialised financial skills, basic computer skills and marketing skills as three skills priorities within the sector. Scarce skills ex-ist mainly amongst professionals and technicians and in the associated professional occupations and are often related to specialised skills sought by employers. Reasons cited by employers

for not being able to fulfill particular positions include: salary and remuneration packages, the overall shortage of skills in the country, not enough qualified black people and not enough people with the necessary skills.

Details of occupations with the highest number of Scarce Skills appear in the table below:

The deadline date for the Mandatory Grant (combined Annual Training Report (ATR) 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009 and the

Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010) is 30 June 2009. Two applica-tion forms are available, one for firms employing more than 50 employees and the other for firms

employing fewer than 50 employees. The appli-cation forms can be downloaded from Fasset’s website: www.fasset.org.za from the downloads section. Even though your company employs fewer than 50 employees, you may still elect to submit the application form for 50 plus employ-ees. This is a more detailed application form that

provides Fasset with more information pertaining to the sector. As per the legislation, no exten-sions are allowed on this application. Submis-sion of the Mandatory Grant by levy payers is a prerequisite for the Strategic Cash Grant (SCG) and the Learnership Cash Grant (LCG).

Mandatory Grant Deadline Approaches

Fasset receives applications for the SCGEvery year since Fasset’s inception, the Seta

has incentivised employers to provide training in strategic areas. This includes

training to Black (African, Indian or Coloured) and/or disabled learners in strategic areas as defined by the Fasset Management Board that are aligned to scarce and/or critical skills and offered through a Strategic Cash Grant (SCG). Applications for the SCG for the period

1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 closed on 31 March 2009.

During the period under review, scarce and/or critical skills areas included: Accountants, Corporate (Administration & Business) Services Managers, Software and Applications Program-mers, Finance Managers, General Clerks, Other Project Managers, Contract, Program and Project Administrators, Auditors, Company Secretaries

and Corporate Treasurers, Management and Organisation Analysts, Sales Representatives, Bookkeepers, Financial Investment Advisers and Managers, Economists, and Accounting Clerks.

Fifty applications were received for SCGs. Details of the number of applications received in each of the key SCG areas appears in the table below:

Criteria (employers may apply on more than one criteria) Number of applica-

tions

Employers who employ 18.1 (previously employed) and 18.2 (previously unemployed) black and/or learners with disabilities on learnerships identified as scarce and/or critical skills.

18

Employers who provide external bursaries to unemployed black and/or learners with disabilities to study at recognized institutions or professional bodies in areas of study identified as scarce and/or critical.

15

Employers who provide workplace experience in scarce and/or critical skills to the Fasset sector to black and/or learners with dis-abilities from institutions.

22

Employers will qualify for the SCG if they assist black and/or learners with disabilities, via skills transfer of scarce and critical skills, in creating new ventures within the sector.

2

Employers who provide financial support to employed black and/or learners with disabilities to study at recognized institutions or professional bodies.

25

Employers providing Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) to their employees. 7

LCG Applications increaseSubmissions for the Learnership Cash

Grant (LCG) for the period 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 closed on

31 March 2009. The LCG was available to both levy-paying

and non-levy-paying members registered with Fasset that employed fewer than 150 employ-ees, who signed Black (African, Indian or Col-oured) and/or learners with disabilities onto Fasset learnerships or approved cross-sectoral learnerships. The applications were approved provided that all additional criteria pertaining to the grant were met (see Fasset’s website: www.fasset.org.za).

Fasset is delighted to report an increase in submissions for the LCG. While 261 applica-tions in respect of 613 learners were received for the period ending 31 March 2008, this year 327 applications were received for 791 learn-ers.

Fasset has incentivised employers to sign Black learners and/or learners with disabilities onto learnerships since the Seta’s inception nine years ago. The increase in submissions confirms that the LCG continues to impact positively on transformation efforts within the sector.

Record attendance at Budget & Tax 2009 Update

The Budget & Tax Update is undoubtedly Fasset’s flagship lifelong learning event. Hosted at 45 venues countrywide dur-

ing March and April, the half-day 2009 event achieved record attendance figures. Attendance figures for the event for the period 2003-2009 appear in the table below:

Year Attendance

2003 691

2004 1 209

2005 1 931

2006 2 501

2007 3 655

2008 3 727

2009 5 060

Total 18 774

The training was delivered by ProBeta Ac-countancy Development through Itukisa. The ap-pointed trainers were Jackie Arendse, Christine du Toit and Magda Turner. All had presented this update to Fasset delegates previously.

Delegates were provided with an overview of the 2009 Budget and its impact on individual tax-payers and businesses. They were also provided with an update on pending tax legislation and other developments, a detailed explanation of tax legislation, rulings and regulations during the past year. Information and analysis was shared in terms of updated legislation, the Amendment Acts and the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill.

Consistent strong support of the Budget & Tax Update since 2003, confirms that the event con-tinues to add considerable value to stakeholders within the sector.

The course handbook, speaker presentation and an assessment (questions and answers) are available on the Fasset website.

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Fraud Policy Statement.Fasset is committed to protecting its revenue, expenditure, assets and its reputation from any attempt by any person to gain financial or other benefit in an unlawful, dishonest or unethical manner. Coupled with this statement,

Fasset has implemented a Charter for the Fraud Prevention Plan and to give effect to the Fraud Policy Statement. In order to assist Fasset in giving effect to our Fraud Prevention Plan, we encourage all stakeholders to make use of the Fasset Tip Offs Hotline (0800 205 054) to notify Fasset of any suspected fraudulent activities impacting on Fasset.

PO Box 6801, Cresta, 2118. Block A, Eva Office Park, Cnr Beyers Naude & Judges Avenue, Blackheath, RandburgCall Centre: 086 101 0001. Fax: (011) 476 5756. E-mail: fassetcallcentre@fasset.org.za. Web: www.fasset.org.za�

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Strong support for Mentoring and Coaching Event

During the month of February 2009, work-shops covering the topic of Mentoring and Coaching were scheduled and

hosted in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and George. The first Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) event of the year, the event was very well-sup-ported, with some 576 delegates attending. ported, with some 576 delegates attending.

Such was the response to the seminar, that Such was the response to the seminar, that Fasset hosted an additional seminar in Johan-Fasset hosted an additional seminar in Johan-nesburg, as well as seminars in Nelspruit and nesburg, as well as seminars in Nelspruit and George. The latter, were not originally sched-George. The latter, were not originally sched-uled. However, sufficient requests were obtained uled. However, sufficient requests were obtained from SDFs in Nelspruit and George to justify host-from SDFs in Nelspruit and George to justify host-ing seminars in both centres.

Facilitated by Emma Tyrrell and John Paisley Facilitated by Emma Tyrrell and John Paisley from The Coaching Centre (based in Cape from The Coaching Centre (based in Cape Town), the seminar provided an overview of Town), the seminar provided an overview of Mentoring and Coaching and the benefits Mentoring and Coaching and the benefits thereof, identified when Mentoring and Coach-thereof, identified when Mentoring and Coach-ing is required, and taught delegates how to ing is required, and taught delegates how to communicate with staff and learners. Importantly, communicate with staff and learners. Importantly,

the seminar shed light on the role that coach-the seminar shed light on the role that coach-ing plays as a performance management tool. ing plays as a performance management tool. Delegates were shown how they could deploy Delegates were shown how they could deploy Mentoring and Coaching to develop potential Mentoring and Coaching to develop potential and current leaders within their organisations. and current leaders within their organisations. They were also shown how these tools support They were also shown how these tools support succession planning and growth within the or-succession planning and growth within the or-ganisation. ganisation.

Delegates were taught how to identify and Delegates were taught how to identify and support staff and learners, how to create rapport support staff and learners, how to create rapport and provide feedback, how to craft a vision and and provide feedback, how to craft a vision and establish consensus, and how to deal with diver-establish consensus, and how to deal with diver-sity and conflict. Emma and John also provided sity and conflict. Emma and John also provided an overview of how to conduct individual as well an overview of how to conduct individual as well as group coaching sessions.as group coaching sessions.

Armed with their recently acquired skills, Armed with their recently acquired skills, Armed with their recently acquired skills, hopefully, more SDFs will apply Mentoring and hopefully, more SDFs will apply Mentoring and hopefully, more SDFs will apply Mentoring and Coaching within their organisations. The course Coaching within their organisations. The course Coaching within their organisations. The course handbook, speaker presentation and an assess-handbook, speaker presentation and an assess-handbook, speaker presentation and an assess-ment (questions and answers) are available on ment (questions and answers) are available on ment (questions and answers) are available on the Fasset website.the Fasset website.

Introductory SDF training event proves popular

Acknowledging that there is a continuous cknowledging that there is a continuous stream of “new”, inexperienced Skills stream of “new”, inexperienced Skills Development Facilitators (SDFs) entering Development Facilitators (SDFs) entering

the sector, Fasset hosted an annual one-day in-the sector, Fasset hosted an annual one-day in-troductory training workshop for SDFs.troductory training workshop for SDFs.

Facilitated by Andrea van der Westhuizen Facilitated by Andrea van der Westhuizen from Thrive Learning Facilitation, workshops from Thrive Learning Facilitation, workshops were held in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and were held in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. Some 157 SDFs in total attended.Cape Town. Some 157 SDFs in total attended.

In a departure from previous years, this year’s In a departure from previous years, this year’s event not only focused on an introduction to the event not only focused on an introduction to the role of the SDF, but also on new developments in role of the SDF, but also on new developments in the skills development environment.

Areas covered included the Skills Development Areas covered included the Skills Development Act as amended, South African Qualifications Act as amended, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), National Qualifications Authority (SAQA), National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Quality Council for Trades

and Occupations (QCTO) and the Organising and Occupations (QCTO) and the Organising and Occupations (QCTO) and the Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO). Seta Framework for Occupations (OFO). Seta Framework for Occupations (OFO). Seta benefits, levies and grants were also explained benefits, levies and grants were also explained benefits, levies and grants were also explained in detail.in detail.

Attendees were provided with guidance on Attendees were provided with guidance on Attendees were provided with guidance on how to develop and implement a Workplace how to develop and implement a Workplace how to develop and implement a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and how to implement and Skills Plan (WSP) and how to implement and Skills Plan (WSP) and how to implement and manage learnerships. The role of assessment manage learnerships. The role of assessment manage learnerships. The role of assessment and the NQF was also covered. A case study and the NQF was also covered. A case study and the NQF was also covered. A case study analysis of the various learnership models qual-analysis of the various learnership models qual-analysis of the various learnership models qual-ity assured by Fasset was undertaken. Delegates ity assured by Fasset was undertaken. Delegates ity assured by Fasset was undertaken. Delegates were also informed about Fasset’s Best Practice were also informed about Fasset’s Best Practice were also informed about Fasset’s Best Practice awards and encouraged to enter the process. awards and encouraged to enter the process. awards and encouraged to enter the process.

The course handbook, speaker presentation The course handbook, speaker presentation and an assessment (questions and answers) are and an assessment (questions and answers) are available on the Fasset website.

Lifelong Learning Events in the year ahead

Fasset stakeholders can look forward to an exciting and full schedule of lifelong learn-ing events. Stakeholders are encouraged to

monitor the Events Calendar on Fasset’s website: www.fasset.org.za, to confirm the scheduling of events.

Responding to the global crisis, Fasset will host workshops on Global Economic Trends as well as workshops on Diversity Management in June and July.

A Diversity Toolkit for employers will be launched at this workshop.

During the course of July and August, two events will be hosted: General Client Services and Business Development and Marketing.

In September, workshops on Complying with Changes in Legislation will be held and a two day Business Writing course will be run over Sep-tember and October.

Workshops on Innovation and Creativity will be held in October and November. Workshops on Positioning Your Organisation as a Site of Learning Excellence will be held in November. The latter is designed as an SDF event.

Lifelong learning events have not been sched-uled for December.

This schedule is subject to change.This schedule is subject to change.