22 October 2014

South African Nursing Council ‘s Examination Schedule – 2015

Attached herewith, find the Examination Schedule for the year 2015.

Kindly take note of the following requirements applicable to the Council’s Examinations:

1. The closing date for the examinations should be strictly adhered to and no exceptions or allowances will be made to extend these dates

2. Only registered students/pupils will be eligible for an examination: The Head of the Nursing Education Institution (NEI) must ensure that all students/pupils are registered with the Council within the prescribed period (this does not apply to candidates writing the Admission Examinations for Enrolled Nurses, Foreign Nurses and Refugees Nurses)

3. Council reference numbers are needed in the application form submitted by the NEI. Candidates will not be registered for an examination with an identity number.  Please follow up with the Council’s Registration Department first, if students/pupils are not registered for the course before registering students/pupils for an examination

4. The Council will only process applications for entry into the Council’s Examination that meet the following requirements:

   1. The Examination Application Form is filled accurately, complete and signed by the relevant person/s.  The surname and given names must be those appearing in the identity document.

   2. All the required documents are included.

   3. There is proof of payment of the prescribed examination fees into the Council’s bank account; such payment must be done by the Nursing Education Institution (NEI) (group payment) and not by individual students/pupils.

Banking details are as follows:

NB:    The Head of the NEI must ensure that the payment of fees by the Provincial Department or Head Office is made separately for each NEI and for each specific examination.

Provincial bulk payments without specifications create administrative challenges and cause a delay in processing of the applications.

5. Only those students/pupils that have been issued an examination timetable/number will be eligible to write the Council’s Examination

6. All practical MARK SHEETS must be submitted to the Council by registered mail/courier by the end of the month in which the examination is written.  If the PRACTICAL MARK SHEETS in SANC format are not submitted on time, the examination results will be published without the practical marks, hence qualification certificates will not be issued to the affected candidates

7. No practical mark sheet or any other documents must be enclosed with the examination package.  Practical mark sheet must be sent directly to the Assessments Section

8. The Council reserves the right to reschedule an examination venue if there are insufficient candidates who will be writing in such an examination venue

9. The NEIs must inform all their students/pupils of the examination results once published.  No examination results will be given out telephonically by the Council.  However, students/pupils will receive results via text messages (SMSes) from the Council.

10. In respect of the Admission Examination of the Course Leading to Enrolment as a Nurse, the NEI has a responsibility to establish that the learner complies with the requirements of Regulation 7(4)(a) published by Government Notice No.R.7 of 8 January 1993 and Regulation 9(1)(b) published by Government Notice No. R.2175 of 19 November 1993 (as amended) before the learner is entered for the Admission Examination

11. The Admission Examination for the Course Leading to Enrolment as a Nurse now only applies effectively to those Nursing Auxiliaries who are pre – 1993 followed the 100-Day Course Leading to Enrolment as a Nursing Assistant where the final examination was conducted by the institution and not by the Council

12. No learner shall be allowed to write the final examination of the (R.2175) Course before he/she has: 

    1. passed the first year examination (R.2175);

    2. passed the Council’s Auxiliary Nursing Examination (R.2176); 

    3. passed the Admission Examination for (R.2175); or 

    4. obtained the Auxiliary Qualification on the basis of the 4-year course.

Yours sincerely

(Signed)

Mr. T. Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer

15 October 2014

Update:  Delays in Postage due to Industrial Action at the South African Post Office

The purpose of this letter is to update all SANC stakeholders regarding the unprotected industrial action at the South African Post Office and its impact on SANC services.

SANC has received another correspondence from the South African Post Office – Accounts Manager informing SANC that the industrial action by the employees of the Post Office is still continuing.  Although services have been restored to some extent in greater Johannesburg, other areas such as Tshwane Mail Centre, Polokwane Mail Centre and Bloemfontein Mail Centre are still not operational.

Due to the extent of the above disruptions, SANC postal services have also been affected.  This includes all mails that are normally sent to SANC by its clients or sent from SANC (e.g. Training Records, Qualifications Certificates and Annual Practising Certificates etc.).

In view of these challenges, SANC is delivering some parcels where possible through courier.  However, we would like to urge our clients to make arrangements for collection and delivery of urgent goods to and from the Council building whilst we are waiting for the situation at the SA Post Office to stabilize and return to normal.

We shall keep you posted regarding further developments in this regard.

Yours sincerely

(Signed)

Mr. T. Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer

10 October 2014

Handling and Approval of Applications relating to the Legacy Nursing Education Programmes

Purpose

To inform all nursing stakeholders of the last date of receipt and handling of applications in respect to the Legacy Nursing Qualifications for approval of New Nursing Education Institutions, additional Clinical Facilities, increase of number of learners and relocation to new premises.

Background 

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is preparing for introduction of New Nursing Qualifications which are planned to commence in January 2015.  To provide the opportunity for SANC and the providers to adequately prepare for the implementation of the New Nursing Programmes whilst phasing out the Legacy Nursing Programmes, SANC is also scaling down resources allocated for the Legacy Nursing Programmes and ensuring that there is a maximum use of these resources in the implementation of the New Nursing Programmes.  This will also ensure that there is a smooth transition between the Legacy Nursing Programmes and the New Nursing Programmes.

In lieu of the above, the Council has in its meeting held on the 18 – 19 September 2014 resolved that the last date of receipt and handling of applications in respect to the Legacy Nursing Qualifications for approval of the following is 31 December 2014.

These are applications for:

1. Opening New Nursing Education Institutions to offer the Legacy Nursing Qualifications
2. Additional Clinical Facilities for placement of learners by the existing Nursing Education Institutions offering the Legacy Nursing Qualifications
3. Increasing the number of learners by the existing Nursing Education Institutions offering the Legacy Nursing Qualifications
4. Relocation to new premises by the existing Nursing Education Institutions offering the Legacy Nursing Qualifications

The South African Nursing Council will only process applications relating to the above matters which are received before 31 December 2014.  No applications will be accepted nor processed after this date.

This circular becomes effective on the date of issue.

For further clarity on this circular, you are advised to contact the Senior Manager: Education and Training; Dr. S.W. Mkhize.

Yours sincerely

(Signed)

Mr. T. Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer

30 September 2014

Extension to offer Supplementary and Post Basic (Additional) Qualifications including the Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses leading to Registration as a General Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse

Purpose

To inform all stakeholder about the Council resolutions on the above mentioned subject.

Background

The end date of enrolment for the Legacy Nursing Qualifications is 30 June 2015, with a teach out period of two years as prescribed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).  The production of Professional Nurses will be severely affected if the above mentioned programmes are stopped while regulations for the new programmes such as the Postgraduate Diploma for Nurse/Midwife Specialist are not yet promulgated.  It is against this background that the Council resolved to extend the period for offering the following Legacy Nursing Education and Training Programmes:

1.1    Course Leading to Registration as Midwife (Government Notice No. R.254 of 14 February 1975 as amended)

1.2    Course Leading to Registration as Psychiatric Nurse (Government Notice No. R.880 of 2 May 1975 as amended)

1.3    Course Leading to the Diploma in Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care (Government Notice No. R.48 of 22 January 1982 as amended)

1.4    Course in Clinical Nursing Science Leading to Registration of an Additional Qualification (Government Notice No. R.212 of 19 February 1993 as amended)

A special concession has been given for the Bridging Course for Enrolled Nurses Leading to Registration as a General Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse (Government Notice No. R.683 of 14 April 1989 as amended).  The end date of enrolment for the Bridging Course (R.683) is 1 January 2017 and the end date of this qualification is 31 December 2020.

The end date of enrolment for other courses mentioned above will be determined in due course and providers will be informed accordingly.

This circular becomes implementable on the date of its issue.

For further clarity on this circular, you are advised to contact the Senior Manager: Education and Training; Dr S.W. Mkhize.

Yours sincerely

(Signed)

Mr. T. Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

OUTPUTS

17 September 2014

Delay on Postage from South African Nursing Council (SANC)

Purpose

To inform nurse practitioners about the delay of postage from South African Nursing Council due to unprotected industrial action by South African Post Office’s casual and part time employees.

Background

The South African Post Office (SAPO) embarked on unprotected industrial action which has extended to three weeks.  Due to this, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) would like to sensitise nurse practitioners and other relevant stakeholders of the huge delays and backlogs caused on the postage of correspondences from SANC.

Though SAPO has contingency plans and precautionary measures in place, the impact might still have negative consequences. You will be kept abreast with further developments in this regard.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

(Signed)

Mr. Tendani Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer

31 July 2014

1.     Closing Date for Payment of Annual Fees
2.     Annual Fees for 2015
3.     Restoration Fees for 2015

PURPOSE OF THE CIRCULAR

The purpose of this circular is to:

	Inform nurses of the closing date for the payments of annual fees for the calendar year 2015
	Inform nurses of the increased Annual Fees due for the calendar year 2015
	Inform nurses of the increased Restoration Fees applicable from 1 January 2015.

1.     CLOSING DATE FOR PAYMENT OF ANNUAL FEES

Please note that the closing date for the payment of Annual Fees is 31 December annually, however for calendar year 2015 ONLY, the closing date has changed to 31 January 2015. You are therefore urged to pay as soon as possible in order to avoid the last minute rush. The annual fees for calendar year 2015 have been increased based on the Consumer Price Index of 5.8 %.

2.     ANNUAL FEES FOR 2015

2.1   Normal Annual Fees

The Annual Fees for the calendar year 2015 for the different categories of practitioners are given in the following table:

2.2   Reductions in Annual Fees for Age 60 and Over

The Council has resolved to introduce reduced fees for nurses 60 years of age and over as per the tables below:

2.2.1   60 to 64 Years of Age on 1 January 2015 (25% reduction)

2.2.2   Over 64 years of Age on 1 January 2015 (50% reduction)

NB:  To qualify for the discount amounts, a practitioner may be required to submit a certified copy of his/her identity document in order to confirm his/her age.

Notes:

	The Annual Fees for 2015 must be paid by 31 January 2015
	Please pay as soon as possible to avoid the last minute rush
	The amounts in the tables above all include 14% VAT.

3.     RESTORATION FEES FOR 2014

The Restoration Fees for the different categories applicable from 1 February 2015 are shown in the following table:

Notes:

	The increased fees apply to restorations that are EFFECTIVE from a date after 31 January 2015 – no matter when the fee is paid.  In other words, if you meet all the requirements for restoration after 31 January 2015 OR if you request restoration with effect from a date after 31 January 2015.
	The reduced Restoration Fee will only apply if your name was removed from the Register at your own request – this must be confirmed with the Council before paying the reduced amount.

(Signed)

Mr. Tendani Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

Notes:

1. A copy of Board Notice 86 of 2014 was attached to the circular
2. You will also qualify for the reduced restoration fee if you are 60 years of age or older on 1 January 2015.

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer

28 July 2014

Accreditation of Nursing Education Programmes and Nursing Education Institutions by the South African Nursing Council

It has come to the attention of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) that there are certain associations/organizations that are informing the Nursing Education Institutions that any institution can offer Nursing Education Programs without being accredited by SANC.

Kindly take note that this is misleading and the information provided by such associations/ organizations either through letters or on their websites is incorrect.  We kindly refer you to the provisions of the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003 and Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005 in this regard.  The South African Nursing Council is the statutory body established by the Nursing Act to regulate all matters regarding Nursing Education and Training as well as practice.

Your attention is specifically drawn to Section 32 of the Nursing Act (Registration of learners), Section 38 (Qualifications prescribed for registration) as well as Section 42 (Education and training) where it is clear that no person can enroll to study towards becoming a nurse practitioner and no institution may provide any such education and training without being accredited by the South African Nursing Council.  Contravention of these sections constitutes criminal offences for which a fine or imprisonment for a period of up to two years or both such fine and such imprisonment may be ordered by the court of law.

Your attention is further drawn to Section 31 of the Nursing Act (Registration as prerequisite to practice) where it is clear that no person may practise nursing in South Africa if not registered with the South African Nursing Council.  Contravention of this section is a criminal offence for which a fine or imprisonment for a twelve month period or both such fine and such imprisonment can be ordered by the court of law.  We urge you to take the matters addressed above seriously and be advised that SANC in its quest to protect the Public will not hesitate to act against any contravention of the Nursing Act.

Furthermore, persons who study at institutions not accredited and registered with the South African Nursing Council will not be able to register with the South African Nursing Council to enable them to practise nursing.  They will also not be eligible to practise nursing outside the boarders of South Africa as the Nursing Councils of other countries first obtain proof of registration from the South African Nursing Council before they allow any practitioner to practise nursing in their country.

We trust that you find this in order.

(Signed)

Mr. Tendani Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer

25 June 2014

Change of the Date for Practitioners to Start Paying for the Annual Practising Certificates for the Year 2015 from the 1^st of July to the 1^st of August 2014

The South African Nursing Council would like to inform all practitioners and employers that the date for practitioners to start paying for the Annual Practising Certificate for the calendar year 2015 has changed from the 1^st of July 2014 to the 1^st of August 2014.  Also note that the final date in which practitioners will be able to pay for their Annual Practising Certificate for 2015 without attracting a penalty has also changed to the 31^st of January 2015.

As a result, the Annual Practising Certificates shall only be available from the 1^st of August 2014 and not from the 1^st of July 2014.  Nurse practitioners who wish to pay their 2015 Annual Fees and to collect their Annual Practising Certificates in person at SANC Offices are advised to plan to do so from the 1^st of August 2014 and not before that date.

However, payments into SANC bank account and electronic payments can be done as soon as the fees are published in the Government Gazette (these will be published simultaneously on SANC website and Facebook Page) and the Annual Practising Certificates will be printed and posted immediately after the 1^st of August 2014.

Please assist the Council by informing your employees and colleagues of these changes.

You are welcome to contact SANC call centre on 012 420 1000 for further enquiries on this matter.

(Signed)

Mr. Tendani Mabuda 
Registrar and CEO
South African Nursing Council

© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005)

Disclaimer