The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) is inviting applications for its 2026/2027 Cycle 4 Discretionary Grants, supporting skills development, research, postgraduate bursaries and strategic projects within South Africa’s chemical sector. The funding opportunity is designed to address skills shortages and strengthen workforce development in alignment with the CHIETA Sector Skills Plan, the Department of Higher Education and Training’s strategic priorities and South Africa’s National Skills Development Plan 2030. Eligible employers, educational institutions, training providers, government entities, non-profit organisations and other qualifying stakeholders are encouraged to apply for relevant programmes. Application deadline: 16 October 2026. Important: The official advert also specifies 9 October 2026 as the deadline for uploading supporting documents to the Integrated Management System (IMS) portal. Applicants should check the portal and contact CHIETA immediately to clarify any outstanding submission requirements. Overview of the CHIETA Discretionary Grants Funding provider: Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) Funding cycle: 2026/2027 Cycle 4 Location: South Africa Opening date: 6 October 2026 Closing date: 16 October 2026 Funding amount: Not specified as a single amount in the supplied announcement; allocations depend on the relevant programme and CHIETA approval. Eligible applicants: Qualifying chemical-sector employers, training providers, educational institutions, government entities, NGOs, NPOs and other eligible organisations. Application method: Online submission through the CHIETA IMS portal. Applications must relate to training activities scheduled between April 2026 and March 2027. About the CHIETA Discretionary Grant Programme CHIETA supports skills development and training initiatives that respond to the needs of South Africa’s chemical industries. Its discretionary grants help fund priority interventions, including occupational training, workplace learning, research, innovation and the development of scarce and advanced skills. The 2026/2027 Cycle 4 funding window includes strategic projects and learning programmes. Applicants should select a funding category that matches their organisation’s mandate, project objectives and eligibility. Who Can Apply? The call encourages applications from eligible organisations and institutions, including: Chemical-sector companies that have submitted their Annual Training Report and Workplace Skills Plan (ATR-WSP) to CHIETA. Non-levy-paying companies within the chemical sector. CHIETA-accredited training providers. Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Community-based organisations (CBOs) and community-based cooperatives (CBCs). Non-profit organisations (NPOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and cooperatives. Government institutions and municipalities. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Community Education and Training (CET) colleges. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Eligibility may differ by programme. Applicants should review the relevant funding-window requirements before preparing their submissions. Strategic Projects Available for Funding 1. Institutional–Industry Partnerships Higher Education Institutions may apply for partnership projects involving: AI-powered skills forecasting: Development of a tool for predictive analysis, risk management and improved operational efficiency across CHIETA programmes. Data Lab and Data Science: Establishment of a Data Lab to support data experimentation, analysis, innovation and evidence-based decision-making. 2. Centres of Specialisation Funding is available to support specialised skills development for apprenticeship programmes. 3. Community Education and Training Support Eligible projects may support CET lecturers through skills programmes and CET learners through Adult Education and Training (AET). 4. TVET Support Funding priorities include bursaries and skills programmes for TVET lecturers to strengthen professional development and teaching capabilities. 5. Research and Skills Planning The call identifies research topics addressing critical issues in the chemical sector, including: The extent and nature of job losses in the chemical industry. Career pathways, retention and progression of TVET chemical programme graduates. The impact and effectiveness of SMME support in the chemical sector. Demand and supply dynamics for chemical engineers in South Africa. The impact of CHIETA Smart Skills Centres. Postgraduate bursaries for master’s and PhD studies are also included to develop advanced skills and strengthen research capacity aligned with sector needs. Learning Projects Available Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Workplace placement opportunities aimed at supporting employment for learners who hold qualifications at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 or above. QCTO-Registered Occupational Certificates: Support for new and continuing learners undertaking non-artisan occupational certificate programmes relevant to the chemical sector. Continuing learners: Applications for learners continuing legacy qualifications must include the previous Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a list of learners and proof of enrolment. Mandatory Application Documents Applicants must upload the applicable compliance documents to the CHIETA IMS portal. These include: Proof of company or organisation registration, such as CIPC documents for companies or registration evidence from the Department of Social Development for NPOs. Valid tax compliance documentation, including a Tax PIN or applicable Central Supplier Database (CSD) documents. A valid B-BBEE certificate, where applicable. A declaration of interest from directors concerning potential relationships with CHIETA Board members and management, signed on company letterhead. Proof of banking details. Other project-specific supporting documents required under the portal’s “File Uploads” section. Where a document is not applicable, the announcement states that an affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths may be submitted. Failure to provide applicable mandatory documents may result in disqualification. New discretionary grant applicants and Sector Development Facilitators must also provide a signed appointment letter on the represented company’s letterhead before linking with that company in the online system. How to Apply All applications must be submitted online through the CHIETA Integrated Management System (IMS). Manual applications, emailed submissions and late applications will not be accepted. Step 1: Review the official funding advert and identify the relevant strategic project or learning programme. Step 2: Download and review the applicable programme information and supporting requirements. Step 3: Prepare the project proposal, supporting documents and compliance records. Step 4: Upload the required documents through the CHIETA IMS portal and ensure the application is completed and signed by the appropriate individuals. Step 5: Submit the application before the deadline and retain confirmation of submission. Apply through the official portal: https://core-ims.chieta.org.za/ Official funding advert: https://chieta.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DG-2026-2027-C4-Advert.pdf Research, Development and Skills Planning funding information: https://chieta.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DG-2026-2027-CYCLE-4-CHIETA-RESEARCH-DEVELOPMENT-AND-SKILLS-PLANNING-FUNDING-WINDOW-INFORMATION.pdf Regional Contact Details Applicants can contact the relevant CHIETA regional representative for clarification. Gauteng: Maud Moloto — mmatsie@chieta.org.za | 011 628 7000 / 010 329 1222 Western Cape: Faith Gcali — fgcali@chieta.org.za | 087 357 6695 / 021 551 1113/4 KwaZulu-Natal: Nokubonga Ntebele — nntebele@chieta.org.za | 087 353 5573 / 031 368 4040 Eastern Cape: Shanice Moodley — spotberg@chieta.org.za | 087 353 5573 / 041 509 6478 CHIETA’s anti-fraud line is 0800 333 120. Application Deadline and Important Notice The funding window opened on 6 October 2026 and closes on 16 October 2026. However, the announcement separately lists 9 October 2026 for uploading supporting documents. Because these dates differ, applicants should urgently verify the applicable document-upload deadline with CHIETA. Grant allocations remain subject to the discretion of the CHIETA Governing Board. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.