Question NW2184 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
10 July 2018 - NW2184
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
With reference to the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority SETA (FASSET SETA) which currently offers and operates the TVET Work-Based Experience Project Internship Scheme and the complaints that are being received from companies participating in this scheme that the FASSET SETA has failed to pay over the monthly internship stipends for May and June 2018 to the companies participating in the scheme and that the SETA is failing to answer queries in this regard, (a) what problems are being experienced by the FASSET SETA in paying the monthly TVET Work-Based Experience Project Internship Scheme stipend to companies participating in this scheme, (b) what is the root cause of the specified problem and (c) what is being done to resolve the matter?
Reply:
a) The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) processes payments within 30 days as required in terms of the National Treasury Regulation 8.2.3. Currently, there are no outstanding payments. FASSET uses the reimbursement model for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Work-Based Experience Project whereby the employer pays a stipend to interns and thereafter submits an invoice together with the following supporting documents to FASSET:
- Monthly report;
- Learner payslip; and
- Proof of payment.
In some cases, employers do not submit all the required documentation on time, which leads to payment delays because FASSET is unable to process an invoice without the accompanying supporting documentation.
b) Not applicable.
c) FASSET is currently reviewing the “reimbursement model” of paying employers who are part of the TVET Work-Based Experience Project as some employers experience cash flow problems when they are required to pay stipends to interns.