Circular 6/2025
Notification of a phased-in approach regarding the implementation of
CPD
TO: NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH
HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER NURSING PRACTICES/SERVICES
NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
ALL STAKEHOLDERS
SUBJECT: NOTIFICATION OF A PHASED-IN APPROACH REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL (SANC) IN THE SECOND YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION.
- PURPOSE
The purpose of this Circular is to notify the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Practices/Services, Nursing Education Institutions, and all Stakeholders on the “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation by the SANC in its second year (2025/2026) of implementation.
- BACKGROUND
The SANC is a statutory body operating in terms of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) to set and maintain the standards of nursing education and practice in the Republic of South Africa. Section 39(a)(b)(c) of the Nursing Act mandates the SANC to determine conditions, nature, and extent of CPD to be undergone by practitioners.
In line with the mandate above, the SANC developed systems and processes for CPD implementation. The 17th Council adopted a “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation in its five-year strategic plan 2024/2029. The first year of CPD implementation was conducted successfully in sampled health establishments across nine provinces, in three hospitals per province and in identified hospitals in Private Hospital Groups (Mediclinic, Life Healthcare, Netcare, National Hospital Network and Clinix Health Group). Success is attributed to ongoing partnership, engagement and collaboration with nursing leadership both in public and private health systems.
- APPROACH TO CPD IMPLEMENTATION IN THE SECOND YEAR
In its meeting of 4-5 August 2025, the SANC Council approved the sample for the second year of CPD implementation as indicated below:
- Area Managers, Operational Managers and all Professional Nurses of the three public hospitals that participated in the CPD implementation in the first year.
- Area Managers and Operational Managers of all public hospitals in all nine provinces who were not included during the first year “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation.
- All categories of nurse practitioners, all Unit Managers and Area Managers, in private hospital groups (Netcare, Life Healthcare, Mediclinic, Clinix Health Group and National Hospital Network). All nurse practitioners employed in the private sector have been exposed to their CPD systems for the past years and are thus familiar with the practice of CPD. They will thus only be required to familiarise themselves with the SANC CPD framework.
- Area Managers and Operational Managers of the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) in their three Military Hospitals.
- All lecturers of accredited Nursing Education Institutions (public nursing colleges) in the nine provinces be included during the second year of the “Phased-in Approach” for CPD implementation.
- Kindly note that in the second year of implementation, CPD points will not be linked to Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) renewal.
- PLEASE NOTE that Council has not yet finalised the process for accreditation of CPD providers. Communication will be issued in future when the process is finalised.
- IMPLICATIONS
This Circular must be brought to the attention of all nurse practitioners and relevant stakeholders.
- IMPLEMENTATION
This Circular shall become effective on the date of issue. For further clarity that might be required, kindly contact Dr NJ Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice on e-mail: [email protected] or Tel: 012 420-1008.
__________________________________
PROF NG MTSHALI
REGISTRAR AND CEO
SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL
DATE: ____________________________
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