Members of the South African Express Parcel Association (Saepa) are urged to act in response to significant changes in the national training and legal compliance landscape, writes Martine Maraschin, a human resources expert working in the industry.
In an article used by Saepa in its latest newsletter, she says that with the phased expiration of the SA Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the shift towards the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations’ (QCTO) registered programmes, “it is imperative to understand how these changes will impact training strategies and legal obligations.”
Effective from June 30, key deadlines for compliance include the final enrolment date for legacy programmes, namely May 31, which is recommended to allow for processing.
According to Maraschin, all legacy qualifications and their associated unit standards will expire at the end of June.
There will be limited extension for enrolments until 2026.
“A crucial concern is the absence of QCTO replacements for many mandatory Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act standards, such as Health and Safety Representatives, First Aid, and Firefighting,” Maraschin says.
“Training via expired programmes will no longer be recognised by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), exposing organisations to legal and operational risks, including potential fines and barriers to skills provider accreditation.”
Changes to industry training is not confined as the transition also impacts broader organisational objectives, Maraschin warns.
These include the upskilling of previously disadvantaged individuals and supporting management development, as the current shortage of accredited replacements and funding gaps may hinder compliance with new employment equity targets and stall organisational transformation, she cautions.
Saepa members are strongly advised familiarise themselves with the list of mandatory training initiatives that are affected.
This is “to safeguard compliance and operational continuity, maximise enrolments on essential programmes before the deadline and prepare for the evolving regulatory environment under the QCTO framework,” Maraschin writes.
“Prompt action will help ensure your organisation’s workforce remains legally compliant and ready for the future.”
