The Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) today announced the opening of the Discretionary Grant application window for the 2025/26 financial year.
“We invite all eligible stakeholders within the Media, Information and Communication Technologies sub-sectors to apply for funding aimed at addressing sectoral skills needs as outlined in the Sector Skills Plan (SSP), Strategic Plan, and the National Skills Development Plan,” MICT SETA said in a statement.
The Discretionary Grant is designed to fund programmes and projects that enhance the supply of qualified individuals for scarce and critical skills, support enterprise development, and provide external mentoring and training for business owners and learners.
More than twelve thousand learners will benefit during this funding window. The grants are available to assist university and TVET, Community college learners get work place training to complete their qualifications. It is also available for media and ICT related companies who want to hire unemployed youth, to equip them with work experience.
Past grant beneficiaries who provided learnership opportunities include SABC, Huawei, Vodacom, MTN, SYSPRO, Dimension Data, Ogilvy, SAP, CSIR, Vox Telcom and eTV. Hundreds of small, micro and medium business have also participated in the programme.
“We have very good support from the industry. Many of those who were employed as interns, are today gainfully employed in the industry. Grant beneficiaries have trained young South Africans to embrace the digital economy. We’ve provided training in operating drones, using 3D printing, and cyber-security among others, and we look forward to receiving even more innovative grant proposals” said MICT SETA CEO Matome Madibana.
The grants cover a range of education programmes, and include learner stipends, and bursary programmes to encourage existing businesses to offer training and learnership opportunities to address the skills gap in South Africa. The fund is accessible to all levy-paying companies of MICT SETA. Non-levy paying companies must have at least fifty one percent South African ownership.
The Discretionary grant application window offers a crucial opportunity for stakeholders in the media and ICT sectors to spearhead transformative programme interventions, drive innovation, and shape the future of skills development in South Africa.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the MICT SETA Learner Management System – by midnight on July 4, 2024. Late, manual, and emailed applications will not be accepted. Required compliance documents include proof of company registration, valid tax clearance, a company profile, and several other specified documents. Failure to provide any mandatory documents will result in disqualification.
For further information and to submit applications, please visit https://www.mict.org.za/dg-window-for-2025-26/ – Direct all queries to [email protected]
