The Skills Development Facilitator, or SDF, is the link between an employer and its SETA. If your company pays the skills-development levy, an effective SDF is how you get value back from it.
What an SDF actually does
The SDF plans and coordinates an organisation's skills development: they compile and submit the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR), liaise with the SETA, advise management on training, and help the company claim its mandatory grant.
Why employers need one
Levy-paying employers can recover a portion of their levy as a mandatory grant — but only if a WSP/ATR is submitted correctly and on time. A good SDF turns a compliance cost into funded training and B-BBEE points.
How to become an SDF
Complete SDF training (commonly built on unit standards such as US 15217 and US 15218), understand your sector SETA's systems and deadlines, and register as your organisation's SDF with that SETA. Many SDFs offer the service to several small employers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can an SDF be outsourced?
Yes. Many SMEs appoint an external SDF rather than train an internal one. Either way the person must be registered with the SETA for your organisation.
What is the WSP deadline?
Most SETAs require WSP/ATR submission by 30 April each year. Missing it usually forfeits the mandatory grant for that cycle.