Tshwane – To strengthen frontline support 266 community caregivers in Tshwane graduated. This brings the number 963 of caregivers across Gauteng who have recently gained formal qualifications through the Health and Welfare SETA’s (HWSETA) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, acknowledging their years of hands-on experience supporting vulnerable children and families.
The graduates achieved an NQF Level 4 qualification in Child and Youth Care Work through the RPL programme, which formally assessed their existing competencies and workplace experience. Tuesday’s graduates work for various non-profit organisations (NPOs) in the Tshwane region that receive funding from HWSETA.
Table of Contents
To Strengthen Frontline Support – Key Details of the Initiative
The Qualification
Caregivers achieved an accredited NQF Level 4 qualification specializing in Child and Youth Care Work (CYCW).
Reconition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Rather than starting from scratch, the program uses RPL frameworks to evaluate, validate, and formally certify the years of practical, hands-on experience these frontline workers already possess.
The Impact
This certification bridges experiential community service into formal higher education requirements, standardizes professional growth, improves employment opportunities, and secures better support structures for vulnerable children and families across the province
Breakdown of the 963 Certified Caregivers in Gauteng
The provincial total of 963 graduates is comprised of multiple groups who have completed their formal training over recent weeks:
- 366 Caregivers from Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng who graduated in Benoni on October 8, 2026.
- 331 Caregivers who graduated at a ceremony in Roodepoort on October 15, 2026.
- 266 Caregivers from Tshwane who graduated in Pretoria on October 27, 2026.
Supporting Children and Families
Implemented in partnership with the Department of Social Development, the RPL programme aims to strengthen the professionalisation of the services delivered by the NPOs, by recognising the community caregivers’ skills and experience. The programme marks an important milestone for the social services workforce in Gauteng, acknowledging the contribution of those on the frontline of community-based care, while creating opportunities for career progression and further study.
Community caregivers, also known as child and youth care workers, play a critical role in South Africa’s child protection system. They support children and families, particularly orphaned and vulnerable children, those living in difficult circumstances, and children and young people in child- and youth-headed households.
To Strengthen Frontline Support – Qualification in Child and Youth Care Work
HWSETA’s Executive Manager Education, Training and Quality Assurance Baakedi Motubatse, explains, “HWSETA funds NPOs working to address a range of social challenges, including HIV/AIDS, child abuse, gender-based violence and femicide, substance abuse and poverty. Many community caregivers working in these organisations have developed valuable skills through years of practical experience, often without formal qualifications to recognise their capabilities and the outstanding work that they do in our communities.”
To achieve the qualification, candidates underwent a structured process of selection, induction, evidence gathering and assessment, demonstrating that their existing knowledge, skills and workplace experience met the requirements of the NQF Level 4 qualification in Child and Youth Care Work.
Motubatse says the graduation 963 candidates from more than 240 NPOs across the province is a proud moment for HWSETA. “It validates that more can be done to enable previously disadvantaged communities to access formal education and training that can lead to improved employment opportunities and poverty alleviation. The graduation also reflects the determination, resilience and hope of the individuals who’ve worked hard to improve their livelihoods and who have not allowed their circumstances to determine their success,” she concludes.
Source and References
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