The Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative

The Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative The Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative is a non-profit, public-private partnership

The conversation about women and their resilience does not stop after International Women’s Day.While the world took a m...
12/03/2026

The conversation about women and their resilience does not stop after International Women’s Day.

While the world took a moment to recognise and celebrate women, the truth is that the strength, resilience, and impact of women continue to shape our communities and workplaces every single day.

At SSACI, we see this resilience through the women who participate in our skills development programmes, pursue opportunities for growth, and contribute meaningfully to the industries they serve. Their determination is a reminder that empowering women is not just a moment — it is an ongoing commitment.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to supporting women through skills development, opportunity creation, and inclusive workplaces where their potential can truly thrive.

Because when women rise, communities and economies rise with them.

SSACI CEO Shanita Roopnarain sharing SSACI’s practical implementation perspective at the ONLINE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT SY...
05/03/2026

SSACI CEO Shanita Roopnarain sharing SSACI’s practical implementation perspective at the ONLINE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
SETA Roundtable.
SSACI was honoured to participate in the OLUMS SETA Roundtable — an important conversation on grant management, work-integrated learning (WIL), and how we strengthen accountability across the skills ecosystem.
Our CEO, Shanita Roopnarain, shared SSACI’s perspective from the ground: not as a tech provider, but as an implementing organisation working daily with learners, institutions, employers, and funders.
A key message from SSACI’s contribution:
➡️ Systems like OLUMS can work very well once data is captured properly.
➡️ The real challenge is often front-end data capture, stakeholder readiness, and adoption across all role players.
➡️ If only one party uses the system while others continue with paper/email/spreadsheets, the implementer ends up carrying a heavy “second-round capture” burden.
This is why SSACI believes the strongest value comes when a platform is anchored at the source of the grant and used as a shared system across stakeholders — with clear roles, training, and compliance expectations.
We also welcomed the frank discussion on sector risks such as learner duplication / “double dipping”, and the need for stronger validation at source to protect public and donor funding.
Thank you to OLUMS for convening a collaborative and solutions-focused Roundtable. Conversations like these are essential if we are serious about improving education-to-employment pathways and sustainable impact in South Africa.

16/02/2026

South Africa does not need another skills plan. It needs ex*****on.
Shanita Roopnarain

SONA has called for a “skills revolution.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed vocational education and training at the centre of economic recovery. The direction is bold: a strengthened dual training model, SETA reform, a 40% levy return to employers, and a more outcomes-driven National Skills Fund.

But revolutions are not declared. They are implemented.

The shift toward dual training institutional learning combined with structured workplace experience is long overdue. We have known for years that classroom-only qualifications do not translate into employability. The real currency is competence in context.

This means TVET colleges can no longer operate in isolation from industry. Employers can no longer sit on the sidelines.

Reducing the number of SETAs is significant. But consolidation alone will not fix slow turnaround times, compliance-heavy funding models, fragmented pathways, or weak employer accountability. Reform must address performance and outcomes, not just organisational structures.

Returning 40% of the levy to employers is potentially the most powerful lever announced. But will employers expand meaningful training pipelines or treat this as an administrative reclaim exercise?

Workplace-based learning must be structured, mentored, and linked to real absorption targets. Otherwise, we risk subsidising activity instead of impact.

The NSF’s shift from “number trained” to “number employed within 6–12 months” is critical. If employment outcomes are not built into funding frameworks, youth unemployment will remain unchanged regardless of budget allocations.

South Africa does not have a youth problem.
We have a system alignment problem.

The success of this skills revolution will depend on ex*****on discipline, industry accountability, outcome measurement, and mature partnerships across the ecosystem.

The next 18–24 months will determine whether this is structural reform or policy repetition.

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We were honoured to host Mr. Riccardo Roba, Policy Officer (FG IV) for the Africa–EU Partnership at DG INTPA (European C...
06/02/2026

We were honoured to host Mr. Riccardo Roba, Policy Officer (FG IV) for the Africa–EU Partnership at DG INTPA (European Commission, Brussels), at SSACI on 3 February 2026, as part of a staff exchange programme to South Africa with AUDA NEPAD
The visit focused on gaining deeper insight into Project Power Up (PPU) and SSACI’s approach to skills development, work-integrated learning, and emerging green mobility skills.
During the engagement, we shared reflections on the design, delivery, and early learnings from Project Power Up — highlighting the integration of:
Online technical training
Simulator-based practical learning
Workplace exposure
Work-readiness development
The discussion also created valuable space to explore how the PPU model aligns with broader Africa–EU priorities, particularly around youth employability, green skills development, and sustainable skills ecosystems.
Meaningful partnerships like these strengthen our shared commitment to preparing young people for the future of work.
Thank you to Shanita Roopnarain, Bina Akoobhai, Getrude Bambo, and Humbulani Bereda for contributing to this impactful engagement.

Really proud of the work coming out of the AVI Project 👏Seeing our team actively engaged on-site at I&J is a reminder of...
23/01/2026

Really proud of the work coming out of the AVI Project 👏

Seeing our team actively engaged on-site at I&J is a reminder of what meaningful workplace exposure and skills development truly look like. These moments capture learning in action, collaboration, and real-world impact.

Grateful for strong partnerships that make initiatives like this possible and for everyone involved in making the project a success.

To the Class of 2025 — congratulations 🎉SSACI celebrates your achievement in completing matric and applauds the effort, ...
13/01/2026

To the Class of 2025 — congratulations 🎉
SSACI celebrates your achievement in completing matric and applauds the effort, commitment, and determination it took to get here.
This milestone marks the beginning of many opportunities ahead. Believe in your abilities, stay curious, and never stop striving for growth.
We are proud of you and wish you every success in the journey ahead.

05/01/2026

Compliments of the New Year from SSACI! 🎉
We are officially open and ready for another year of partnership, progress, and meaningful impact in 2026.
Here’s to creating opportunities, empowering youth, and building a stronger future together. ✨

#2026

📢 SSACI Festive Season ClosureAs we wrap up 2025, SSACI thanks all our partners and stakeholders for an impactful year o...
11/12/2025

📢 SSACI Festive Season Closure

As we wrap up 2025, SSACI thanks all our partners and stakeholders for an impactful year of collaboration and growth.

Please note:
🔒 Closing: 12 December 2025
🔓 Reopening: 5 January 2026

Wishing everyone a safe, restful festive season and a successful start to 2026! 🌟

📸 Proud moment at Buffalo City TVET College!Entrepreneurship Certificate Handover by SSACI, celebrating skills, growth, ...
27/11/2025

📸 Proud moment at Buffalo City TVET College!
Entrepreneurship Certificate Handover by SSACI, celebrating skills, growth, and opportunity. This milestone is a reminder that empowering entrepreneurs is key to building stronger communities and a brighter future.

🎉 Celebrating Success! 🎉We are proud to announce that all 20 of our Energy and Water SETA Energy and Water Sector Educat...
11/11/2025

🎉 Celebrating Success! 🎉
We are proud to announce that all 20 of our Energy and Water SETA Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) Apprentices — including Plumbers, Electricians, and Boilermakers — have successfully passed their Trade Tests! 👏
This outstanding achievement reflects their hard work, discipline, and commitment throughout the programme. It also highlights the power of collaboration in building skilled, employable youth.
A special thank you to our training partner AITF, for their unwavering support in preparing the apprentices for their trade tests and ensuring they were fully equipped to excel. 🙌
💼 As they transition into the world of work, we invite companies and industry partners seeking to employ qualified, job-ready artisans to connect with us. These newly qualified professionals are eager to apply their skills and make meaningful contributions in their respective trades.
Together, we’re shaping a future powered by skills, opportunity, and excellence!
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Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce – Today!The Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative (SSACI) is proud to offer Soft Sk...
05/11/2025

Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce – Today!
The Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative (SSACI) is proud to offer Soft Skills Training for Young Entrants — designed to equip students and entry-level employees with essential workplace skills to thrive in today’s professional world.
🧠 Key Focus Areas:
✅ Communication in the Workplace
✅ Problem Solving & Adaptability
✅ Managing My Money
✅ Mastering Workplace Dynamics
✅ Professionalism & Work Readiness
💰 R350 per participant
📍 Perfect for:
🎓 Colleges & Training Institutions
🏢 Companies & Employers
Let’s build a generation of confident, capable, and workplace-ready young professionals!
Contact us: +27 11 642 2110
📧 [email protected] / [email protected]
🌐 www.ssaci.org.za
✨ Equip. Empower. Employ.

Address

20 Georgian Crescent East, Bryanston Sandton, Hampton Office Park, Aberdeen House, 1st Floor
Bryanston
2152

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 04:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 04:30
Thursday 08:30 - 04:30
Friday 08:30 - 04:30

Telephone

+27116422110

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