SCASA: A Practical Guide to Mandatory Grants - Part One

By Henning Lubbe (Skills Development Specialist, Director on SCASA Board – Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa)

NOTE SUBMISSIONS CLOSE AT THE END OF APRIL 2026

Every year, coffee businesses across South Africa are reminded that training isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic advantage. But as the end of Marh approaches, so does an important deadline: the submission of your Mandatory Grant application under the Skills Development Act.

If the words “Mandatory Grant” make you reach for a double espresso, you’re not alone! But don’t worry—this process doesn’t have to be intimidating or confusing. With a little planning, you can turn compliance into an opportunity to upskill your team, boost morale, and strengthen your business for the long term.

What is the Mandatory Grant—and Why Should Coffee Businesses Care?

Simply put, the Mandatory Grant is your chance to claim back a portion of the Skills Development Levy (SDL) you already pay as an employer. By submitting a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to your SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) correctly and on time, your business will receive back 20% of your total SDL contributions for the year. That’s real money you can reinvest directly into training—making your efforts pay off in more ways than one!

Even More Benefits: Unlocking Further Grants and Funding

Submitting your WSP and ATR isn’t just about the 20% refund. It also opens the door to additional Discretionary Grants and other funding opportunities from your SETA. These can help you:

• Train unemployed individuals as part of learnerships, internships, or community projects—great if you want to give back or need extra hands during busy periods.
• Upskill your existing staff—from baristas and kitchen teams to supervisors and managers.
• Access executive and management training when available, helping you and your leadership team stay ahead in a competitive market.

In short: once you’re compliant, you’ll be in a much stronger position to apply for—and be awarded—extra grants to support your business’s growth and people development.

The Essentials: What You Need to Do (and When)

• Step 1: Register with Your SETA
  Most coffee businesses fall under FoodBev SETA (Core Business: Roasting) or CATHSSETA (Core Business: Selling of Coffee in a hospitality environment). If you’re unsure, check your business registration or get in touch for guidance.
• Step 2: Appoint a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF)
  This can be you, a staff member, or an external consultant. The SDF helps coordinate your training plans and submissions.
• Step 3: Complete Your Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)
  This is a simple document outlining what training you plan to do in the coming year—think barista workshops, customer service sessions, or even food safety refreshers.
• Step 4: Submit Your Annual Training Report (ATR)
  Report on the training you’ve already done—no need for glossy brochures, just honest records of who attended what, and when.
• Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline (End of May)
  Don’t leave it to the last minute! Submissions are online and your SETA will provide guidance if you get stuck.

Pro Tips for Coffee Businesses

• Keep It Real: Training doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. If you’re already doing regular skills sessions, team huddles, or supplier-led workshops, that counts!
• Align with Your Business Goals: Use the WSP to plan training that addresses your real challenges—like improving workflow, reducing wastage, or building customer service confidence.
• Involve Your Team: Ask your staff what skills they want to build. You’ll be surprised how motivated people get when their growth is taken seriously.
• Stay Organized: Keep attendance lists, notes, and feedback forms—these make ATR reporting a breeze.
• Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about the process or requirements, don’t go it alone. Support is available (see below!).

Why This Matters for the Future

The coffee industry is evolving, with new occupational qualifications, SAQA-aligned training, and a growing focus on professional development and occupationally based qualification for your industry. By engaging with the Skills Development Act now, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re building a culture where learning is part of your DNA.

This approach pays off. Teams become more confident, standards become more consistent, and your business is better positioned for growth—whether you’re running a single café or scaling up across the country.

Want to Make Your Training Count?

As part of SCASA, I’m here to help coffee businesses navigate this process and unlock the benefits of skills development funding. If you need guidance on registering, preparing your WSP and ATR, or just want to talk through your training plans, I’m here for you. Let’s turn compliance into a competitive edge, together.

Look out for our next article, where we’ll dive deeper into the reporting requirements, tips for aligning your staff training, and real-world examples from coffee businesses like yours.

Invest in your people, and your coffee will taste success—every shift, every cup.

Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA)

Email: [email protected]

For SDL information: Henning Lubbe: [email protected]