Dear Valued Member

Second Interim Task Team Progress Report

I trust this message finds you well. As we continue our journey towards a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM). I am delighted to provide our second progress update report on behalf of the Task Team that was convened by the organisation after the dissolution of the previous Board. This report outlines the advancements and strategic decisions made by our dedicated team to ensure the forthcoming AGM is both impactful and successful.

AGM Date and Format

As you may already be aware, the AGM date has been officially set for the 13th of February 2024. After careful consideration and analysis of last year’s AGM, which experienced a notable decline in attendance during the physical meeting, we have decided to shift the upcoming AGM to a virtual format. This strategic shift allows us to efficiently allocate our budget towards impactful activities, particularly a dynamic marketing campaign. Further details about this marketing campaign are elaborated in the next section of this report.

From MD’s Desk

As we approach the end of 2023 we look back with pride as we have navigated through the challenges we faced, and that navigation was enabled by your decisiveness as IBASA members wherein you allowed robust engagements which made IBASA stands tall and continue in delivering its mandate. We also look back and celebrate the achievements of 2023.

The established Task Team has been supportive to the staff and the administration of the organisation while dealing with its mandate also.

IBASA ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2023

The organisation continued with its two projects with SSETA and one with City of Ekurhuleni and those projects were wrapped up and final reports submitted to stakeholders. These projects assisted IBASA to stay in the positive trajectory when it comes to organisation’s finances.

IBASA sponsored Township Economies Conference and EXPO held in June 2023 at Emperors Palace.

IBASA was also one of the sponsors SAQA’s Professional Bodies Forum event that took place in November 2023. These sponsorships gave IBASA milage whereby we were updated with enquiries on how to become members of IBASA and those wanting to apply for Critical Skills Letters and they were assisted promptly.

We collaborated with ABSA in November in offering AI training to 60 Entrepreneurs in Ekurhuleni who were part of our project with The City of Ekurhuleni.

The opening of the second office in Midrand in July and setting up of proper communication structures helped improve delivery of service to our members.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2024

We have been awarded two projects by SSETA for 2024.

The first one is facilitating the Skills development and training of Employees at workplace nationally, we therefore call all IBASA members who have employees to indicate their interest in participating in this project by sending an email to admin@ibasa.org.za or info@ibasa.org.za, once we receive expression of interest we will then send requirements and details to those employers who will have responded. The employees will undergo trainings for a period of 12 months and the training will be funded by SSETA, IBASA has committed to oversee 200 employees training at various workplaces. Please indicate your interest no later than 15 January 2024. The selection will be on a first-time first served basis and based on meeting the criteria which will be shared from 9^th January to those who will have responded.

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General Announcement from SSETA to share with Members

The Services SETA(SSETA) in partnership with Universities South Africa (USAF), hereby invites individuals employed by levy-paying and non-levy-paying employers within Services SETA industries (SSP 2023/24– Attached) to submit applications for bursaries. The field of study of applicants should be aligned to SSETA hard to fill vacancies as per Services SETA Sector Skills Plan 23/24. Successful applicants will be funded to pursue studies relating to full/ part or short courses that are SAQA registered and or recognised by a public tertiary institution in South Africa. Please find attached PDF/Link with full details. For more information on the Unlock Growth with Services SETA Bursaries for Your Team