FASSET ANNUAL REPORT

Consequence management measures are in progress alongside training interventions and recruitment of new staff with solid SCM skills and experience. At the projects and operational level, the shift to online environments improved our reach in terms of stakeholder engagement previously done through roadshows or location-based training, because more people could access these events online. Going forward, these platforms will be used for awareness building programmes to improve the uptake of grants and other interventions to invigorate the skills pipeline. As a result of Covid-19, FASSET’s future planning in the next 5-year cycle will aim at economic reconstruction and recovery with a broader view on providing accessible financial services and assistance to SMME’s. To this end the SETA will foster collaborative strategic partnerships to bring much needed skills into the sector with structures within the TVET colleges, employers, professional bodies, trade unions, government entities and other SETAs. The focus will be on strategic partnerships that will fast-track transformation in the sector. Having completed our Strategic Planning for the 2025 horizon at the beginning of the 2021/22 financial year which embraces the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), at the time of compiling this AIR, the country has regressed into Level 4 lockdown with the onset of the third Covid-19 wave. However, Fasset endeavours to ensure that this has a lesser impact on Fasset’s implementation of strategic priorities in the year to come. My acknowledgement and appreciation go to the Minister of Higher Education Science and Technology, Dr. Blade Nzimande, the Deputy-Minister, Buti Manamela; and the Director-General Gwebinkundla Qonde for their invaluable guidance and policy direction. I would like to thank our new Chairperson, Ms Lynette Ntuli and the members of the Accounting Authority, who were appointed at the time Covid-19 was ravaging the lives

of South Africans, for their sterling support and guidance.

Appreciation also goes to all assurance partners: the internal audit; external audit, Risk Management committee and the ICT steering committee. I thank our various FASSET stakeholders including our labour partner: NEHAWU for their engagements and commitment in working with the employer in strengthening FASSET. I would like to express a word of gratitude to the Executive management team and FASSET staff for their commitment and dedication throughout the period under review. Lastly, I would like to remember our departed Director of Corporate Services Ms. Maria Matlosa; and everyone in the FASSET sector that succumbed to Covid-19.

Ayanda Mafuleka CA(SA) Chief Executive Officer

FASSET Annual Integrated Report 2020/21

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