We had another awesome PTSA Western Cape networking event in May, and we’re still buzzing from the energy and value it brought! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made a difference, your presence and participation truly matter. For those who couldn’t attend, don’t worry, there’s always the next one! Check out our upcoming events.
Spotlight on Our Sponsor and Speaker: Kimmo (Pty) Ltd
A special thank-you goes out to Kimmo, our sponsor and featured speaker, who made a lasting impression with their world-class industrial packaging solutions. Their innovative product range, combining cardboard, wood, and steel, is not only unique but also a powerful, sustainable alternative to plastic. As one of the attendees from a plastic packaging company put it, “This is a good product concept which can compete.”
Kimmo’s precision packaging solutions rely on expert toolmakers, die designers, and mould technicians — the unsung heroes of manufacturing. Without toolmaking, production simply doesn’t happen. It’s the engine room of industry, providing the tools and moulds that make mass production possible across sectors from automotive to pharmaceuticals.
Kimmo’s product is more than innovative packaging — it’s proof of what’s possible with strong tooling. From concept to crate, every part reflects the skill and precision of expert toolmakers.
Knowledge Session: SETA Grants & Skills Development
Understanding the importance of industry growth within our struggling economy and the purpose of SETA’s, PTSA WC harvested the opportunity to help industry by inviting Essential Skills and Development Consulting’s director, Sheryl Pretorius and merSETA CLO Kovilan Chetty. Sheryl’s talk on SETA Grants, Criteria, and Benefits was Insightful for companies not yet investing in skills development. In support of Sheryl’s presentation, Kovilan answered questions directed at merSETA. Kovilan invites the industry to engage with merSETA, they have an open-door policy to support industry and help unbundle grant applications.
Points covered:
- How to qualify for SETA funding
- What is required to qualify
- The long-term business benefits of workforce training
- Why non-participation is a missed opportunity for growth
Their practical insights reminded us that skills development isn’t just a compliance checkbox, it’s a strategic advantage.
Accessing Skills Funding: What Your Business Needs to Know
It’s crucial to understand how industry can actively tap into skills development funding, especially through mechanisms like SETA grants, and other initiatives. Companies whose annual wage bill exceeds R500,000 are legally obligated to contribute 1% of their payroll as a Skills Development Levy (SDL) to SARS. These contributions unlock access to:
- 20% Mandatory Grants – released upon timely submission of both the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR);
- 49.5% Discretionary Grants – aligned with sectoral priorities and administered through each SETA’s discretionary window;
- Learnership Tax Incentives – offering employers up to R120,000 in deductions for each completed learnership involving a person with a disability.
To qualify, companies must:
- Be SDL-paying and up to date with payments;
- Have a registered Skills Development Facilitator (SDF);
- Submit their WSP and ATR before the 30 April deadline via the SETA’s electronic system;
- Ensure that submissions are signed off by employee representatives (for medium and large enterprises), or recognized trade unions where recognition agreements exist;
- Align their programmes with the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and National Skills Development Plan (NSDP);
- Where required, submit a Request for Extension before the closing date.
Institutions like the Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PTSA) play a key role in delivering accredited, high-impact training aligned with sectoral needs—especially within the TDM and Advanced Manufacturing sectors.
Factory Walkabout & Networking
We concluded the evening with a walkabout tour of the Kimmo manufacturing facility, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation comes to life. It was also a fantastic opportunity for professionals to connect, share ideas, and plant the seeds for future collaborations.
Why These Events Matter
PTSA network events are about more than just presentations. They are platforms for:
- Showcasing innovation
- Learning from industry leaders
- Exploring collaborations
- Growing together
- Answer industry-relevant questions
Networking is key, when we show up, share knowledge, and support one another, the entire industry benefits. Let’s continue to build a stronger, more innovative TDM Sector in South Africa.
We’re already looking forward to seeing you at the next event. Until then — stay connected, stay innovative, and stay inspired!
