The broad aims of the impact assessment articulated in the DoL Terms of Reference were to investigate the state of skills development in South Africa, to contribute to longitudinal analysis of trends in skills development, and to investigate the extent to which the aggregate progress towards reaching equity targets, supported by skills development programmes especially at skilled and highly skilled levels had been achieved. More specifically, the Terms of Reference for the study focused on Objective 2 of the NSDS II in particular, three of its success indicators: Objective 2: Promoting and accelerating quality training for all in the workplace Success indicator 2.1: By March 2010 at least 80 per cent of large enterprises - and at least 60 per cent of medium enterprises - employment equity targets are supported by skills development. Impact on overall equity profile assessed Success indicator 2.2: By March 2010 skills development in at least 40 per cent of small levy-paying enterprises supported and the impact of the support measured to Success indicator 2.5: Annually increasing number of small BEE enterprises and BEE co-operatives supported by skills development. Progress measured through an annual survey of BEE enterprises and BEE co-operatives within the sector from the second year onwards. Impact of support measured (DoL, 2005).
Human Sciences Research Council (Wed,) studied this question.