By Enith Gouws-Sibiya

The Western Cape (WC) and Northern Cape (NC) Regional Skills Development Implementation (SDI) Office of the National Skills Fund (NSF) hosted the Quarter 2 Reporting and Progress Sessions with Skills Development Providers (SDP) across the region on 9 and 10 December 2025.

The two-day engagement, led by the Director for the Western Cape and Northern Cape SDI, Mr M Masipa, brought together private and public SDPs, along with key NSF directorates, including ICT and Analytics, Fund Management, and Organisational Performance and Reporting. The session with private SDPs took place on Day One, followed by a session with public SDPs on Day Two at the College of Cape Town, Gardens Campus.

These sessions form part of the NSF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening accountability, compliance, and performance while supporting the effective implementation of funded projects. They provide a platform to monitor progress, address challenges and reinforce the responsible use of public funds in delivering quality education and training.

During the engagements, the ICT and Analytics Directorate briefed SDPs on NSF Connect Phase 3, confirming that the SDP App will be implemented through the portal in March 2026. The platform is expected to streamline reporting processes, improve efficiency and strengthen transparency and oversight.

The Fund Management Directorate provided an update on Quarter 2 reporting status, key achievements and common challenges, while reinforcing financial reporting requirements and the importance of accurate supporting documentation. In addition, the Organisational Performance and Reporting Unit outlined key performance and reporting expectations, emphasising the need for accurate, consistent and timely data to support organisational decision-making.

[Director: SDI WC/NC Region, Mr M Masipa addressing the SDPs at the Quarter 2 Reporting and Progress Session]

Mr Masipa emphasised the importance of collaboration between the NSF and SDPs is to ensure impactful programme delivery and meaningful outcomes across both provinces.

SDPs presented on their project performance in line with approved implementation plans, including compliance and audit matters. These presentations enabled constructive engagement, peer learning and accountability, while allowing the NSF to identify areas requiring support or intervention.

Overall, the Quarter 2 Reporting and Progress Sessions strengthened cooperation between the NSF and SDPs, clarified reporting and performance expectations, and reinforced the shared responsibility of ensuring that funded programmes deliver meaningful and lasting impact for beneficiaries across the Western and Northern Cape.