SAQA QUALI ID: 58577

Purpose:

This qualification is an entry-level qualification and recognises the key competencies required of security personnel who are able to work in a variety of security contexts. This qualification will be for individuals who want to enter the security industry and develop competencies in standard security practices such as access and egress control, security response and patrols, asset protection and visible security operations.

Learners will operate mainly in the security sector, within a range of contexts, including rural, urban, corporate, mass, gatherings, homes and businesses. It will provide the learner with the competencies needed to undertake a range of security related processes and practices at an entry level. This qualification will entail that persons involved in the security environment will be able to practice the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to operate in a professional manner. The qualification will also enhance their career opportunities within the security environment.

The learner will be able to:

• Safeguard premises, assets, information and personnel.
• Interact with customers and people.
• Operate security equipment.
• Conduct security duties within the ambit of the law.

Rationale:

This qualification falls within the field of safety in society. To have an entry level qualification in the area of security is vital to deter and detect criminal activities that in turn support government initiatives in this regard. The competencies in this qualification will contribute to a safer environment that is needed for economic development, financial investment and the development of business opportunities such as in the tourism industry.

Learners entering the field of security will be empowered by this qualification as it provides the elementary competencies needed in the security sector such as access and egress control, conducting patrols and observation techniques. This qualification is the first in a learning pathway for the security sector. After completion of this qualification, learners will be able to enter various security disciplines such as electronic security or close protection security.

Once learners have completed this qualification, they will be able to access higher qualifications within the learning pathway, and will be able to choose from specialised fields such as dog handling, assets in transit operations, firearm specialisations, etc.

Learning assumed to be in place and recognition of prior learning:

• Communication, NQF Level 2
• Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 2

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The structure of this qualification makes the recognition of prior learning possible through the assessment of individual unit standards. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of prior learning will be done by means of integrated assessment as mentioned above.

Access to the Qualification:

Access is open to all learners bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place.

Purpose:

This course provides a theoretical background in the prevention of poaching, theft and mutilation of fauna and flora.

If you are a reserve, farmer, conservancy, wildlife or game farm manager, game ranger, game guide, game guard, trails guide or field guide this course is for you.

SAQA QUAL ID: 58696

Purpose:

This qualification is intended for individuals interested in the close protection field be they new entrants, security personnel or government officials within the arena of safety in society and other persons involved in close protection functions. Learners who achieve this qualification will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills including attitudes and values pertinent to the close protection sector. The close protection learner will not only gain the protection competencies needed by this sector, but will also gain valuable skills in terms of conflict management, protocol, etiquette, diplomacy and threat and risk analysis.

Close protection officers are often required not only to react appropriately to any threat or situation confronting or impending his/her principal, but also to plan activities of the principals whom they are protecting (taking into account risks and hazards) and to interact with diplomatic, public and other figures. This qualification is designed to produce a well-rounded individual who is able to manage difficult and sensitive situations. Physical protection is normally the last action which such an individual must take as the planning and conflict resolution skills should always be utilized first in all risk related matters.

This qualification intends to provide learners with competencies that will enable them to provide professional close protection services by way of creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment within which a principal(s) can conduct his/her activities relative free of threat, harassment, embarrassment and undue interference. This qualification is designed to provide learners who wish to join the close protection service sector with competencies to respond and deal effectively with, situations that may detrimentally affect their principal(s), within the prevailing regulations and legal prescripts.

Competent learners will be capable of:

• Researching protective risk related information.
• Formulating a risk profile.
• Planning and preparing for a close protection operation.
• Implementing close protection measures.
• Communicating with role-players within the context of protective operation.

Rationale:

The security sector plays an integral part in South Africa as it assists the law enforcement sector with a sustained environment in which crime is prevented and deterred. It is therefore, vital to ensure that persons within the ambit of private and public close protection are adequately trained and educated in terms of their competencies, skills and values. The security domain is divided into different sectors of which close protection is one.

Close protection is a vital domain of security as it provides protection services to public and private figures such as high-ranking governmental officials and dignitaries. The creation of a safe and secure environment for these public and private figures is important as it creates a stable platform for them to fulfil their mandates and roles. Without their safety they would be unable to contribute to the country on various levels including, political, business, scientific, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOÕs) and entertainment levels. While the general security of the society in the country plays an important role to ensure that all citizens are secured and protected, it is of national interest that individuals such as business dealers, diplomats, dignitaries, celebrities and the general public are protected. Therefore this qualification plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the need for a safe and protected environment. This qualification will enable learners to gain knowledge and skills to assist principal(s) live their lives in a safe and secure environment. The importance and impact of Close Protection in South Africa is significant, especially with the current development initiatives by government to improve the economy of the country, for example, protection of dignitaries from other countries visiting the South African government, international sporting events and concerts where protection is needed for both individuals and spectators.

Most learners endeavouring to complete this qualification may come from the law enforcement, defence and private security sector. Many of them would have completed a qualification in basic security aspects and will then move on to complete this qualification as it forms an area of specialisation within the security sector. However, this qualification has also been designed to allow learners who have no previous experience to access the sector. Learners entering this qualification will be able to progress vertically from generic security and law enforcement services qualifications to more specialized close protection services as well as articulate horizontally to security management practices, bomb disposal, policing, special combat capabilities and certain emergency medical care qualifications.

Currently there are a limited number of trained individuals who were either trained overseas or within the government sector to perform exclusive close protection services and as a result there is a serious shortage of trained people in this field. The number of current close protection officers in the country is limited hence the need for this qualification is eminent in order to develop a pool of close protection officers. The qualification facilitates access to education, training and a career path within the close protection services thus developing a pool of qualified, professional close protection personnel. This qualification aims to formalize close protection as a credible profession in South Africa as there was previously no complete formal qualification recognized by authorities or registered on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Learning assumed to be in place and recognition of prior learning:

• Communication at NQF Level 4
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4

It is assumed that learners are competent in the following unit standards:

• Operate a rigid light vehicle, ID 123257
• Demonstrate knowledge of Firearms Control Act, ID 117705
• Handle and use a handgun, ID 119649
• Provide risk based primary emergency care/first aid as an advanced first responder in the workplace, ID 120336

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The learner and assessor will jointly decide on methods to determine prior learning and competence implicit in the qualification and the associated unit standards. Recognition of prior learning should be done by means of integrated assessment.

Due to the fact that there are persons who are already working in this sector, the RPL process may allow for:

• Accelerated access to further learning.
• Gaining of credits contained in the unit standards of this qualification.

Access to the Qualification:

Senior certificate or equivalent, learners without an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification can gain access through the application of Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners with certain physical disabilities may find it difficult to successfully complete this qualification.