. The total budget for 2013/14 of SAQA was R116 million and insufficient to fulfill its mandate. The estimated budget shortfall was R10 million for the current financial year. The Career Advice Service (CAS) ends 31 August 2013 and there was no provision to continue with this project. The government grants average annual increase to SAQA from 2008/09 to 2012/13 was 5%. As a result, personnel costs in 2013/14 budget comprised 62, 5% of total budget. To balance 2013/14 budget, SAQA had to; cut 7 permanent staffing posts, not fill current vacancies, start charging conference fee attendance, reduce research activities and no staff incentive provision. Accumulated surplus funds in prior years were used to supplement SAQA's income and then the funds were depleted.