Step-by-Step Checklist: Mastering WSP & ATR Submissions in South Africa.

n South Africa, compliance with the Skills Development Act requires employers to submit a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and an Annual Training Report (ATR) to their relevant SETA by 30 April each year. These documents are more than paperwork—they unlock Skills Development Levy rebates, discretionary grants, and boost B-BBEE scores. Here’s a practical checklist to help employers in mining, construction, logistics, and finance stay compliant and maximize benefits.

✅ Step 1: Confirm Your SETA Registration

• Action: Identify which SETA your company falls under (e.g., MQA for mining, CETA for construction, TETA for transport, FASSET for finance).
• RSA Example: A mining contractor registers with MQA to ensure all artisan training aligns with sector standards.

✅ Step 2: Gather Payroll & Training Data (January–March)

• Action: Collect HR and payroll records to confirm levy payments and training conducted.
• Tip: Ensure training records match payroll data to avoid compliance issues.
• RSA Example: A construction firm compiles records of safety training for site workers.

✅ Step 3: Draft the Workplace Skills Plan (Future Training)

• Action: Outline planned training initiatives for the upcoming year.
• Focus Areas: Skills gaps, learnerships, apprenticeships, and compliance training.
• RSA Example: A logistics company drafts a WSP to train forklift operators and warehouse supervisors.

✅ Step 4: Prepare the Annual Training Report (Past Training)

• Action: Document all training completed in the previous year.
• Tip: Align ATR data with the WSP submitted the year before.
• RSA Example: A finance firm submits an ATR showing staff completed payroll compliance and digital accounting courses.

✅ Step 5: Align with B-BBEE Requirements

• Action: Ensure WSP and ATR submissions support Skills Development targets in B-BBEE scorecards.
• RSA Example: A mining company uses MQA-accredited training to boost its Skills Development points.

✅ Step 6: Submit to SETA by 30 April

• Action: Upload both WSP and ATR via the SETA online portal.
• Tip: Submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
• RSA Example: A construction firm submits to CETA by 15 April to secure discretionary grant eligibility.

✅ Step 7: Access Funding & Rebates

• Outcome: Compliant submissions unlock mandatory grants (20% of levies) and discretionary grants for training.
• RSA Example: A logistics company receives TETA funding to expand driver training programs.

✅ Step 8: Monitor & Update Throughout the Year

• Action: Track training progress against the WSP to simplify next year’s ATR.
• RSA Example: A finance firm updates its HR system quarterly to log training hours for CPD compliance.

✅ Step 9: Review & Improve Annually

• Action: Use feedback from SETA to refine future submissions.
• RSA Example: A mining contractor improves its WSP by adding safety-focused learnerships after MQA review.