South African Nursing Council

Welcome to the South African Nursing Council Web site.  This site concentrates on the setting and maintaining of nursing education and practice standards.  The information is intended to appeal to a wide audience - from the serious researcher to those who are considering a career in nursing.

Practising nurses will find the site most useful. You will be able to find the latest and most up-to-date information about your profession here.

International visitors are welcome - particularly those who are doing international nursing research and also those who are considering coming to work as nurses in South Africa.

Latest News from S A Nursing Council:

International Nurses' Day 2012

11 May 2012

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

The South African Nursing Council joins the nurses around the globe as we commemorate the International Nurses Day, acknowledging the scientific, ethical and professional influence that Florence Nightingale had on the nursing profession.  Nurses, globally on this day remember and reflect on the meaning and value of their own and collective contribution in the delivery of health care.

The theme for 2012 is “Closing the Gap: from evidence to action”

The South African Nursing Council celebrates this historical milestone by acknowledging the tireless efforts of all nurses in South Africa, who despite daily pressures and challenges, continue to prioritize the welfare of their patients.

This year, on International Nurses’ Day the South African Nursing Council will be paying tribute to the pioneers of nursing.  Chief amongst these would be the celebrations of Cecilia Makiwane, the first black professional nurse to obtain state registration in Africa in January 1908.  In addition the Council will pay tribute and salute visionary leadership provided by various nurse leaders in the transformation of the nursing profession in line with the democratic principles espoused in the Constitution of South Africa.

A year ahead provide a golden opportunity for nurses to define a strategic role to be played by nurses in contributing to a long and healthy life for all, specifically in the implementation of nurse driven primary health care, a strategy for ensuring citizenry access to basic health care.  We are also optimistic that our midwives will embrace the introduction of midwife-led obstetric services as an opportunity for saving mothers and saving the babies of our country

Issued by

The Chairperson: Ms JN Makhanya
South African Nursing Council

12 May 2012

COUNCIL BUILDING NAMED AFTER CECILIA MAKIWANE

At a morning function held to celebrate International Nurses' Day, the South African Nursing Council building was officially named in honour of Cecilia Makiwane, the first black registered professional nurse in Africa.  The building is now officially named the Cecilia Makiwane Building.  Full details will be added later.

During the naming ceremony, nurses from all over South Africa renewed their "Nurses Pledge", holding lighted candles as symbols of the lamp which was, according to the soldiers who were there, once carried by Florence Nightingale during her rounds of the wards in Crimean War hospitals.

Nomination and appointment of a member to serve on the Council
A notice calling for nomination of persons having knowlege of consumer affairs to serve as a member of the Nursing Council has been published by the Minister of Health.  The member will be appointed for the remainder of the period of office of the Council - ending 25 June 2013.

 ™    Click here to see a copy of the notice calling for nominations, published in the Gazette on 26 March 2012.
 
The following document may be useful to those considering nomination:-
 
 ™    Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005)

Please watch this space for further information about the nomination process and progress.

Over 9000 nurses removed from register for non-payment of annual fees

8 May 2012

The Council has removed the names of about 9300 practitioners because they have not paid their annual fees for 2012.  The names of all these persons have been removed from the eRegister.

In terms of the regulations, annual fees for 2012 had to be paid by 31 December 2011.  Those who did not pay the required annual fees by that date have been removed with effect from 1 January 2012.

Council has made a concerted effort to correctly identify and record all payments submitted in time before removing those whose fees remain unpaid.  If you believe that your name has been removed in error, please contact the section responsible for Annual Practising Certificates for assistance in resolving the matter.

Persons who have been removed are reminded that it is an offence to practise if one is not registered.  Removed persons who are practising are advised to apply for restoration to the register as a matter of urgency.

Extension of date for Nursing Education Institutions to offer Legacy Nursing Qualifications to 30 June 2013

7 July 2011

Nursing Council has resolved to extend the end date for offering legacy nursing qualifications to 30 June 2013.  This will give Nursing Education Institutions time to develop plans to phase out the legacy qualifications and develop plans to implement the new qualifications.

Click here to access a copy of the circular sent out by the Council.

Nursing Summit - Nursing Compact

8 April 2011 

A Nursing Compact was adopted at the closing ceremony of the Nursing Summit on 7 April 2011.

You are encouraged to download a print a copy of the compact - it belongs to the nurses of South Africa.

Nurses can submit contact and personal details on-line

1 March 2010

Council is updating its records to include alternative contact details that will enable it to improve its service to clients.  It is also collecting additional personal details required for submitting learner records to the National Learner Records Database.

In an effort to make it as easy as possible for nurses to submit their own details, this can now be done on-line.  Click here to update your information.

Please tell your friends and colleagues about this update page so that SANC can collect the required information as soon as possible.

What you will find on the Council website

The following is a brief outline of what you will find on this website.

About SANC tells you all about the Nursing Council - the Vision, Mission and Objectives of the Council, the members that make up the Council, the various committees of Council and the members that serve on each, etc.

Complaints deals with the process of investigating matters which have been reported to the Nursing Council and which may constitute "unprofessional conduct". You can find out how to lodge a complaint (if you have one) and the process which will follow the receipt of your complaint.  If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a complaint against you, this information will help you to understand the whole process - including your own rights.

Examinations deals with those examinations which are conducted by the Nursing Council .  If you are a  candidate who is planning to write or who has written a Council examination, you will obviously be interested in this information.

eRegister is a link to the Nursing Council electronic register where you can confirm the qualifications of registered practitioners.

News is where you will find all the latest decisions of the Nursing Council , new policies, proposed policies and discussion documents on which the Council would like your comments. You should visit these pages if you want to keep informed and to be involved in shaping the future of nursing in South Africa.

Nursing Schools contains a full list of all the nursing schools approved by the Nursing Council and their addresses (arranged by province) so that you can find one near by OR in a place where you would like to study.

Policies contains some of the Nursing Council policies and guidelines that are published for general information.

Presentations contains some of the Nursing Council presentations delivered at various events.  Delegates may find this useful material to supplement the knowlege gained during the event.

Publications contains the full texts of official publications which are available from the Nursing Council.  These include the Nursing Act, regulations, teaching guides and teaching policies of the Council. Although you are welcome to print and use copies of these documents, it is recommended that you refer to them on-line as you will then be sure to obtain the very latest information.

Services gives details of the services provided by the Nursing Council and how much each costs.  You can also download various official forms from these pages - this will ensure that you always use the current version of the form.  This is also the correct place for you to find out about the various options available for paying annual fees.

Statistics is for the inquisitive and the researcher.  Ever wanted to know how many nurses qualify each year?  This is where you will find all the information you need.

Supply Chain is where suppliers or prospective suppliers can download the form used to apply for registration as a supplier on the Supplier Database.  You can also find out about current tenders and download tender forms and information.

Promotion of Access to Information Act - Manual

Click on the information icon to access an electronic copy (PDF) of the South African Nursing Council Promotion of Access to Information Act Manual.  This manual will help you to access information that you believe is held by the Nursing Council and that is needed by you to protect your rights.

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