6. Conclusion The meeting with the NSF and NSA provided members with insight into the activities and functions of these entities. The NSF is an important role player in the funding of skills development projects and other priorities that are meant to develop and uplift the livelihoods of the country's citizens. The Fund's disbursement towards skills development of R3.1 billion during the year under review was commendable and it benefited 77 000 learners for training. The listing of the NSF as a public entity presented the organisation with challenges since it was a directorate located within DHET. The entity did not have adequate capacity at the time of its listing to operate independently from the DHET and a service provider had to be appointed to assist with setting up of the organisation. Unfortunately, there were delays in the appointment of the service provider and this impacted negatively on achievements of targets planned. Nevertheless, the entity reported that it has a transformation project called "Siyaphambili" which will be completed by 2016. Through this project, the entity has identified action plans to deal with all its challenges and to develop its way forward.