Mmabatho, North West - 22 September 2026: The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), will on Wednesday, 23 September, honour Community Caregivers through a graduation ceremony in Mafikeng, North West Province.
The National Department of Social Development has partnered with HWSETA to recognise Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) implementers, including Community Caregivers from Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) funded by the Department. The initiative seeks to ensure that these caregivers attain a Level 4 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in Child and Youth Care Work (CYCW).
A total of 86 Community Caregivers will graduate with an NQF Level 4 formal qualification. The learners were drawn from disadvantaged communities across the four districts of North West Province: Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Bojanala Platinum and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.
Following the dawn of democracy in 1994, South Africa adopted the principle of recognising prior learning acquired through informal experience. The 1995 White Paper on Education and Training states that learning and skills acquired through experience, workplace training or self-education could be formally assessed and credited towards a recognised NQF level.
Recognition of Prior Learning is a process through which an individual’s previous learning, knowledge, skills and experience are assessed and formally recognised for the purpose of obtaining credits or a qualification within an education and training programme.
Also known as Child and Youth Care Workers, Community Caregivers play an important role in the country’s child protection system and contribute to promoting the wellbeing of children, particularly those orphaned as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as children living in vulnerable circumstances and child- and youth-headed households.
The learners underwent a rigorous process of selection, induction and evidence gathering. They submitted the required evidence to demonstrate that they possess the experience, knowledge and skills required for the NQF Level 4 Child and Youth Care Work qualification.
The Department of Social Development funds NPOs to assist in addressing social challenges such as HIV/AIDS, child abuse, gender-based violence and femicide, substance abuse and poverty. While many implementers working within these organisations do not hold formal qualifications, they have acquired valuable skills, knowledge and practical experience through their work.
The RPL process provides an opportunity to formally recognise these competencies and qualifications, thereby contributing to the professionalisation of services delivered by funded NPOs and ensuring alignment with the requirements stipulated by HWSETA.
The graduation ceremony will celebrate the achievements of the Community Caregivers and recognise their contribution to strengthening child protection and social development services in communities across North West Province.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Community Caregivers Graduation Ceremony, planned as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Time: 08:00
Venue: Mmabatho Palms hotel in Mafikeng, North West Province
RSVP:
Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane
Cell: 066 480 6845
E-mail: NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za
Mr Petrus Siko
Cell: 060 954 4667
E-mail: psiko@nwpg.gov.za
Enquiries:
Ms Sandy Godlwana
Chief Director: Communication
Cell: 082 678 5634
E-mail: SandyG@dsd.gov.za
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