“This change threatens the processing of thousands of essential security provider and private gun owner licenses that are issued each year, impacting both businesses and individuals who rely on timely and effective training,” the PFTC said in a statement.

It added that the potential consequences of SASSETA’s move are far-reaching. “It puts the employment of thousands of skilled firearms assessors at risk and could weaken South Africa’s ability to maintain high standards in firearm training. Lower standards of training and assessment could also compromise public safety across the country.”

The Professional Firearms Trainers Council (PFTC), which is currently the recognised body responsible for private sector firearms training accreditation, has taken legal action to prevent this change. The PFTC has filed court applications to protect its High Court-appointed mandate to ensure the quality and professionalism of firearm training in South Africa, it said.

In addition to its legal actions, the PFTC has raised concerns with the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, about the poorly developed training programme proposed by SASSETA. The PFTC remains committed to maintaining high standards in the firearms training industry and will continue to oppose any changes that could lower these standards and put public safety at risk, it said.

“As far as the PFTC is aware, this programme aims to replace the current professional firearms training standard, Qualification 50480. According to the PFTC, neither SASSETA nor the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) have consulted with the PFTC or other key stakeholders in the firearms training sector. As the recognised accreditor of firearms training in South Africa, the PFTC plays a critical role in upholding the quality and professionalism of firearm training,” the PFTC stated.

It further warned that if SASSETA gains control of firearms training and licensing for self-defence and security purposes, it could have a “devastating impact” on the South African firearms industry. “This change could not only compromise the quality of training but also jeopardise public safety. Additionally, over 42 000 jobs at 500 accredited training providers across the country are at risk.”

Tebogo Kwape, Chairperson of the PFTC, stressed the importance of collaboration in any changes to firearms training standards, and insists that input from industry experts is vital. “Our efforts to engage with SASSETA about the future of our industry have been ignored, and this unsanctioned proposal will have serious consequences for public safety,” he explained.

Since 2017, the PFTC has gathered input from stakeholders and held meetings to address this realignment, but representatives from SASSETA and QCTO didn’t attend, it said. As of 30 June 2024, the PFTC’s authority to oversee Qualification 50480 has expired, and no new qualification has been approved. This leaves learners unable to complete the training they need for jobs or self-defence firearm licensing, the PFTC stated.

Kwape said it seems like the QCTO wants to remove their role and give it back to SASSETA, “which lacks the resources to handle it effectively. Without an approved replacement for Qualification 50480, there is a risk that training standards will drop, putting public safety in danger.”

The PFTC stressed the importance of working together to maintain high standards in firearms training, to prevent a decline in safety that could harm the public.

Background to Qualification 50480

In 2000, the government asked POSLEC SETA, now known as SASSETA, to create standards for firearm qualifications. However, the initial standards did not meet the requirements of the Firearms Control Act. To fix this, the broader firearms industry worked together to develop the Qualification 50480, which was approved by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and has been used ever since.

In 2005, POSLEC SETA was renamed SASSETA, but ongoing delays in certification caused frustration within the industry. To help with maintaining high training standards, the Professional Firearms Trainers Council (PFTC) was established in 2013. Since then, the PFTC has overseen training at almost 500 providers.

In 2016, a change was proposed by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to shift from the old unit standards to a new system. The PFTC was asked to update the firearm training qualification to fit these new rules. While SASSETA initially supported the PFTC, it later excluded the council from key meetings. Despite submitting an updated qualification in 2017 and again in 2023, the QCTO has still not reviewed it, the PFTC explained.

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Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority made the announcement after concerns over the submission of course reports.

PSiRa director Manabela Chauke said some training providers were facing challenges with security officers enrolling in training programs without fully settling their fees upfront.

“Despite assurances of payment post-training, many security officers fail to fulfil their financial obligations, leaving training providers in a disadvantaged position. In light of this, PSiRA acknowledges the difficulties faced by training providers and the need to address this issue promptly.”

“Henceforth, we are issuing this notice to provide guidance and support to training providers in ensuring fair practices and accountability within the industry. Effective immediately, training providers are granted permission to submit course reports only for security officers who have fully paid for their training,” he said.

Chauke said officers who have not fulfilled their financial commitments before the commencement of training will not be included in the course reports submitted to PSiRA.

“This measure aims to protect the interests of training providers and foster a culture of responsibility among security officers regarding their training obligations. It is imperative that all parties involved adhere to ethical practices and fulfil their commitments in a timely manner.”

“We urge all training providers to exercise diligence in verifying the payment status of security officers before enrolling them in training programs. Additionally, security officers are reminded of their responsibility to honour their financial agreements and settle their fees promptly to avoid any disruptions in the accreditation process,” he said.

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Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the recruitment and selection process for the 2024/2025 financial year was finalised.

“The first batch of 4500 trainees will report for training at the various South African Police Service (SAPS) academies on 22 April.”

“The second batch of 5500 recruits will commence with training in January 2025; this process is yet to be finalised.  Applicants are henceforth requested to be patient and await communique from the SAPS.”

For the 2024/2025 recruitment, the SAPS received more than one million applications.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Mathe said the recruitment and selection of suitable candidates who conform to all the basic requirements was of “paramount importance to the continued success of the work and mandate of the SAPS.”

“Final selection is based on merit and the process is free from bias, nepotism, and discrimination. Upon completing the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP), the newly trained Constables will reinforce policing capacity at high-crime stations, detective units and specialised units, such as Public Order Policing  (POPs).”

Three years ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for enhanced police personnel capacity to combat crime.

“This prompted the SAPS to undertake a vigorous national recruitment and selection process known as Project 10000. The SAPS has in the last two years trained and deployed 20 000 police officers to stations and units to bolster policing and efforts to prevent and combat crime,” Mathe said.

The SAPS 2024/25 Annual Performance Plan, tabled three weeks ago, revealed that the force cannot keep up with the country’s growing population

For every 427 South Africans, there is just one police officer.

As the population increased from an estimated 54 million in 2014, to 62 million in 2022, so the actual workforce that was deployed at the frontline to prevent, investigate and combat crime, uphold and enforce the law and protect and secure the people of the country and their property, declined from 152977, in 2014/15, to 140 048, in 2021/22,” the report said.

Government allocated additional funding to the tune of R8.7 billion during 2022/23 to “extend and rejuvenate SAPS’ staff establishment through the recruitment of 12000 additional personnel members.”

“Total expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 5.8 percent, from R105.5 billion in 2023/24 to R124.8 billion in 2026/27, mainly to provide for the carry-through costs of the 2023/24 public sector wage agreement, the department is set to receive additional allocations amounting to R22 billion over the next three years.”

“The number of personnel is set to increase from 183708 in 2023/24 to 186538 in 2026/27. This will be done by appointing a targeted 10 000 police trainees in 2024/25 and absorbing them as constables upon their successful completion of training against which the natural attrition of employees should be discounted,” the report said.

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