Cycle 4 Discretionary Grants Advert (South Africa)

The CHIETA Discretionary Grants for the 2026/2027 Cycle 4 offer funding to support employers and enterprises within the chemical sector. Aimed at enhancing skills development, this opportunity aligns with national strategic plans to bolster economic recovery and address sector-specific needs. Applications are open from 6 October 2026 to 16 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA)

- Type: Discretionary Grants

- Funding Period: April 2026 – March 2027

- Eligible Applicants: Chemical sector employers, enterprises, and accredited training providers

- Eligible Locations: South Africa

- Deadline: 16 October 2026

About the Opportunity

The CHIETA Discretionary Grants are designed to support the chemical sector by addressing skills gaps through strategic projects and learning programs. This initiative supports ongoing learner education on legacy qualifications and other strategic objectives in line with the National Skills Development Plan 2030. Funding and Benefits - Funding is available for strategic projects including innovation partnerships with Higher Education Institutions, support for Centres of Specialization, and community education. - Benefits include financial aid for Work Integrated Learning (WIL), occupational certificates for the chemical sector, and postgraduate bursaries for scarce skills development. Who Is Eligible? - Eligible Entities: Chemical sector companies that have submitted Annual Training Reports and Workplace Skills Plans to CHIETA, non-levy paying companies, CHIETA-accredited training providers, SMEs, CBOs, CBCs, NPOs, NGOs, cooperatives, government institutions, municipalities, TVET and CET colleges, and higher education institutions.

- Mandatory Documents: Proof of company registration, valid tax compliance documentation, BBBEE certificates, and declarations of interest from directors.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

- Institutional-Industry Partnerships: AI-powered skills forecasting, data lab and data science projects.

- Research Projects: Topics include job loss analysis in the chemical industry and demand-supply dynamics of chemical engineers in South Africa.

- Learning Projects: Support for WIL, occupational certificates, and postgraduate bursaries.

Why This Opportunity Matters This grant opportunity is crucial for the chemical sector as it facilitates skill development and innovation, helping to meet industry demands and foster economic growth. By supporting a range of educational and strategic initiatives, CHIETA aims to enhance the sector’s capacity and resilience. How to Apply

- Prepare Required Documents: Gather mandatory compliance documents including proof of registration, tax compliance, and other necessary declarations.

- Submit Application: Apply online through the CHIETA IMS portal before the deadline of 16 October 2026.

- Upload Supporting Documents: Ensure all required documents are uploaded by 9 October 2026.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure all documents are complete and submitted on time. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. - Verify all entries and documents for accuracy before submission to avoid disqualification. Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the CHIETA Discretionary Grants? Eligible applicants include chemical sector companies, training providers, and various educational institutions within South Africa. What is the application deadline? Applications must be submitted by 16 October 2026. What documents are required for the application? Applicants must provide proof of registration, tax compliance documents, BBBEE certificates, and any other project-specific documentation. How should applications be submitted? All applications must be submitted online through the CHIETA IMS portal. Can applications be emailed or submitted manually? No, only online submissions via the official portal will be accepted. Next Steps Interested applicants should review the official guidelines on the CHIETA website and ensure all submissions are completed by the specified deadline. For more information, visit CHIETA.