Skills Development Providers

In terms of Chapter 3 of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974, one of the objects of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) is to establish, develop, maintain and control universally acceptable standards of pharmaceutical education and training. Furthermore, in terms of the provisions of sections 33 and 34 of the Pharmacy Act, the SAPC is required to approve pharmacy education and training that entitles a person to registration in terms of the Act.

The SAPC implements the above objective by developing qualifications, accrediting providers and courses, and quality assuring the delivery of programmes.

In this way the SAPC is able to ensure that pharmacy professionals have the desired competencies to practice locally and internationally.

The Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998, as amended, defines a Skills Development Provider (SDP) as a provider of an occupational learning programme.

SDPs (hereafter referred to as providers) are at the base of the education and training system in that they are the organisations that actually engage in teaching and facilitation learning. They interact directly with learners, the “clients” whom the education and training system is meant to serve.

SDPs are currently offering two pharmacy support qualifications (National Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance and Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance) whose registration is due to end on 30 June 2018. The last date of enrolment is 30 June 2019 with the teach-out period ending on 30 June 2022. These qualifications are going to be replaced by the Occupational Certificate: Pharmacy Technician.

The specific levels in the sub-framework that apply to pharmacy education and training for Occupational Certificate: Pharmacy Technician are:

• Level 4: Pharmacist’s Assistant (Basic), part qualification of Occupational Certificate: Pharmacy Technician (Info coming soon)
• Level 5: Pharmacist’s Assistant (Post-Basic), part qualification of Occupational Certificate: Pharmacy Technician (Info coming soon)
• Level 6: Occupational Certificate: Pharmacy Technician