CIRCULAR 11/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:      INTAKE OF STUDENTS BY NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FROM ONE PROGRAMME TO ANOTHER, PRIOR TO WRITING THE PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Circular is to share with the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and relevant stakeholders about the decision of the Council regarding the practice of intake of students by the NEIs from one programme to another, prior to writing the Professional Entry Examination (PEE).

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 In terms of Section 4(1)(c) of the Nursing Act,2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005), the South African Nursing Council (SANC) must conduct the examinations, appoint Examiners and Moderators and grant certificates in respect of such examinations. 

2.2 The examinations that were conducted by the SANC for the legacy Nursing Qualifications are coming to an end on 30^th November 2023. In this regard, the SANC issued Circular 14/2020 on 20 December 2020 and indicated that students who are enrolled for the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework-(HEQSF)-aligned Nursing Qualifications will be required to write and pass the PEE on completion of education and training before their names are entered in the SANC Nurse Register.

2.3 The SANC introduced the PEE in May 2021 and the first group that wrote the PEE was the student nurses who enrolled for the Higher Certificate in Nursing.

2.4 Section 4(1)(3) of the Government Notice No 195 of 2008  as amended, stipulates that the Registrar must register an applicant whose application complies with the requirements of sub regulation (1) and (2) with effect from the last day of the month in which the accredited programme was successfully completed, hence the applicants who met the requirements for the HEQSF-aligned nursing qualifications will be registered at the end of the month in which the PEE was successfully completed.

2.5 The NEIs raised concerns that the SANC does not allow students to access one programme to another prior to writing the PEE. Their concerns are reasonable; however, this will be in contradiction with Section 2.4 above. The qualification must either be terminated or be completed before access to another programme. The SANC is hopeful that these challenges will be addressed when the months in which the examination is written are further increased so that the students are not affected. In future all the examination processes will be fast tracked when online examination system is implemented.

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION

3.1 The Council at its ordinary meeting held on 13-14 July 2023, resolved not to approve the practice of intake of learners by the NEIs from one programme to another prior to writing the Professional Entrance Examination.

4. IMPLICATIONS

4.1 The Council resolution will not be applicable to the students who apply for termination before accessing other nursing programmes OR other fields of study, e.g., medicine. The students are allowed direct entry to other nursing programmes if they meet the admission requirements without writing the PEE.

4.2 Once the student has opted to terminate and pursue other programmes besides the one which she was enrolled for, the student cannot return to write the PEE and expect that the registration date will be the last day of the month in which the accredited previous programme was successfully completed. This will create a clash of dates for registration. It will also be viewed as if the student commenced the new programme without passing the previous programme.

4.3 The SANC will not enter any student nurse to the SANC Nurse Register before the PEE has been written and passed.

4.4 The SANC will not issue a verification of qualification and a letter of good standing for the student nurse who did not write and pass the PEE, but who is interested in migrating to other countries.

4.5 Nurses who are enrolled for Postgraduate studies are not affected by this Circular.

4.6 This Circular should be brought to the attention of all students.

5. IMPLEMENTATION

This Circular becomes implementable and valid from the date of issue. For further information in respect of this Circular you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo: Deputy Registrar at (012) 420 1059 or on e-mail jnxumalo@sanc.co.za OR Ms MA Mnguni, Senior Manager: Learner Affairs at 012 420 1065 or amnguni@sanc.co.za.

_______________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: ___________________

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CIRCULAR 10/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:         ADDITIONAL THIRD EXAMINATION MONTH FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

1. PURPOSE
   • The purpose of this Circular is to share the information with the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and all Stakeholders about the alterations in the examination months pertaining to the Professional Entrance Examination conducted by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) for the following programmes:

•  Bachelor of Nursing leading to registration in the category Professional Nurse and Midwife;
• Advance Diploma in Midwifery leading to registration in the category Midwife;
• Diploma in Nursing leading to registration in the category General Nurse; and
• Higher Certificate leading to registration in the category Auxiliary Nurse.
•  The purpose of the Professional Entrance Examination is for the students to be admitted to the SANC Nurse Register on successful completion of the examination.

2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

• Conducted examination for the legacy qualifications was twice per year with the last examination coming to an end in November 2023.
• The SANC introduced the Professional Entrance Examination during this transition from the legacy to Higher Qualifications Sub-framework-aligned Nursing qualifications. The Professional Entrance Examination is written by students who have passed the Summative Examination conducted by the NEIs and it is currently conducted in the months of May and November.
• Education and Training Stakeholders have raised concerns over the two examination months that are afforded students to write the Professional Entrance Examination because the students must wait for almost five months before they undertake the examination.
• Whilst the intension of the SANC is to ensure that students write the examination immediately after writing their summative evaluation, it is currently not feasible.  

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION

3.1 The Council at its ordinary meeting held on 13-14 July 2023 resolved that Professional Entrance Examinations must be written in the months of March, July, and November to reduce the current prolonged waiting period.

4. IMPLICATIONS

• The content of this circular must be brought to the attention of all students due to write the examination.
• This circular amends section 6.1.4 of Circular 14/2020.
• Application forms for the examination must be submitted as reflected in the examination schedule i.e., not later than the seventh day of the month, three months prior to the month in which the examination is to be conducted, namely, 7 December 2023 for the March examination in 2024.

5. IMPLEMENTATION

• The Circular becomes implementable and valid from the date of issue. For further information in respect of this Circular you are advised to contact Ms MA Mnguni, Senior Manager: Learner Affairs at 012 420 1065 or amnguni@sanc.co.za.

Yours sincerely

_____________________________                                     

PROF. NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR & CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: _______________________

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Circular 9/2023

TO:                    NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                           PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                           NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                           ALL RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:      INTRODUCTION OF COURIER SERVICES FOR DELIVERY OF DISTINGUISHING DEVICES

1. PURPOSE
   • To inform the Nurse Practitioners, the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders regarding the following:

• The SANC will deliver Nurse Practitioners’ distinguishing devices orders, paid via the bank, by courier services starting from 01 September 2023.
• The SANC is also embarking on a campaign for Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details to ensure we have recent and correct delivery addresses in its records which will assist with obtaining a higher rate of successful deliveries.

2. BACKGROUND
   • The SANC sells distinguishing devices to Nurse Practitioners and these devices are currently sent using registered mail via the South African Post Office.
   • The SANC has been inundated with complaints from Nurse Practitioners for not receiving their orders for distinguishing devices on time. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the method used for delivery of orders is not effective and it was necessary to look at other delivery alternatives.

3. UPDATE OF PERSONAL DETAILS FOR COURIER SERVICE PURPOSES

3.1         Obtaining Nurse Practitioners’ recent physical addresses and contact details is essential for the successful delivery of distinguishing devices, and the SANC therefore request Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details by following the process below:

Step 1: Go to the SANC website: www.sanc.co.za

Step 2: On the Home Page, go to QUICK LINKS (top, right of the page)

Step 3: Click on:  DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

Step 4: Select the form:  UPDATE OF CONTACT DETAILS FORM

Step 5: Complete the online form

Step 6: Click on: SEND.

3.2         It is important to note that the Nurse Practitioners should update their personal details before ordering distinguishing devices to ensure that their devices are delivered to the correct address.

4. DELIVERY PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1 DISTINGUISHING DEVICES

4.1.1        Distinguishing devices orders are currently delivered to Nurse Practitioners using registered mail via the South African Post Office (SAPO).

4.1.2     Starting from 01 September 2023 all orders paid through the bank will be delivered by courier.

4.1.3      Nurse Practitioners who pay their distinguishing devices orders at the bank and opt for delivery of their order to their physical addresses, will have to ensure that they provide the physical address on the order form.

4.1.4      The courier costs for distinguishing devices orders is R90.00 per parcel (only domestic delivery).

4.1.4      The procedure for ordering will not change, the only change will be that the amount usually charged for postage will be used for courier costs.

4.2 UNDELIVERED/RETURNED PARCELS

4.2.1      When a parcel is unsuccessfully delivered due to the unavailability of the Nurse Practitioner or provision of incorrect details by the Nurse Practitioner, the Nurse Practitioner will be liable for the return cost as charged by the courier company.

4.2.2      Nurse Practitioners will also pay courier cost for re-delivery of the parcel.

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Mr. B Manganyi, Acting Manager: Revenue Collections and Sales at bmanganyi@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1081.

                                             ______________                                                                        

PROF NG MTSHALI                                                                                                   

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

___________________________________

DATE

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Circular 8/2023

TO:                    NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                           PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                           NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                           ALL RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:      INTRODUCTION OF COURIER SERVICES FOR DELIVERY OF ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES

1. PURPOSE
   • To inform the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders regarding the following:
     • The SANC will provide an option to Nurse Practitioners who individually pay annual fees via the bank to deliver their 2024 Annual Practising Certificates by courier services at their own cost, starting from 01 September 2023.
     • The SANC is also embarking on a campaign for Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details to ensure we have recent and correct delivery addresses in our database which will assist with obtaining a higher rate of successful deliveries.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1         Section 36 (2) of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) stipulates that a certificate of registration is proof of registration for a period of one year after its date and thereafter an Annual Practising  Certificate, issued upon payment of the prescribed annual fee and the submission of such information as may be required by the Council to keep accurate statistics on human resources in Nursing, is proof of registration in absence of any credible evidence to the contrary.

2.2.        Annual Practising Certificates are currently sent to Nurses Practitioners who individually pay their annual fees by using ordinary mail via the Post Office.

2.3.        The SANC has been inundated with complaints from Nurses Practitioners for not receiving their Annual Practising Certificates on time. In some instances, these are never received by the Nurse Practitioners.

3. UPDATE OF PERSONAL DETAILS

3.1   Obtaining Nurse Practitioners’ recent physical addresses and contact details is essential for the successful delivery of Annual Practising Certificates and the SANC therefore request Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details by following the process below:

Step 1: Go to the SANC website: (www.sanc.co.za)

Step 2: On the home page, Go to QUICK LINKS (top, right of the page)

Step 3: Click on: DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

Step 4: Select the form: UPDATE OF CONTACT DETAILS FORM

Step 5: Complete the online form

Step 6: Click on: SEND.

3.2   It is important to note that the Nurse Practitioners should update their personal details before making their annual fees payment to ensure that their Annual Practising Certificate is delivered to the correct address.

4. DELIVERY PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1 ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES

4.1.1     Annual Practising Certificates are usually sent using the South African Post Office (SAPO), thus via ordinary mail. However, noting the challenges with SAPO, the SANC will now offer an option to deliver Annual Practising Certificates via courier services at an extra cost to Nurse Practitioners who pay annual fees on their own.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This excludes those who are paid for by their employers/via PERSAL.

4.1.2     Annual Practising Certificates paid by employers will continue to be sent as per the arrangements we have with the various employers. Employers are therefore encouraged to distribute Annual Practising Certificates to their Nurse Practitioners as soon as they receive them from the SANC.

4.1.3     Nurse Practitioners who opt for the delivery of their Annual Practising Certificate by courier will have to pay courier costs together with their annual fees. This will be an indication that the Nurse Practitioner has opted for courier service delivery.

4.1.4     The courier costs will be R70.00 per parcel, which is subject to annual increase (only domestic delivery).

4.1.5     The table below depicts the amount payable by Nurse Practitioners who opt for courier services as their preferred delivery mode:

4.1.6     Nurse Practitioners will use the same reference for payment of annual fees, for example: 12345678ANLFEES

(This is only an example, the SANC number 12345678 quoted here is fictitious and must  not be used, Nurse Practitioners must use their own SANC number).

4.1.7      Nurse Practitioners who have already paid their 2024 annual fees via the bank from                        01 July 2023 to date should note that their Annual Practising Certificates have been kept aside (not posted) to afford them an opportunity to opt for their Annual Practising Certificate to be delivered by courier. What is required is for them to pay only the courier costs of R70.00

4.1.8     Nurse Practitioners who are mentioned in 4.1.7 above who opt for the delivery of their Annual Practising Certificate will have until 30 September 2023 to pay the courier cost, if payment is not received by this date their Annual Practising Certificate will be sent by post.

4.1.9     The payment code for courier cost is COURAPC (SANCNUMBER FOLLOWED BY COURAPC FOR EXAMPLE 12345678COURAPC)

4.1.10   The process mentioned in 4.1.3 above will apply to Nurse Practitioners who apply for restoration and opt for their Annual Practising Certificate to be delivered by courier i.e. they will have to add R70.00 courier cost to the restoration fees.

4.1.11   Nurse Practitioners who opt NOT to use this service will continue to receive their Annual Practising Certificates via the South African Post Office (SAPO) and will only pay annual fees without courier cost.

4.2   UNDELIVERED/RETURNED PARCELS

4.2.1   When a parcel is unsuccessfully delivered due to the unavailability of the Nurse Practitioner or provision of incorrect details by the Nurse Practitioner, the Nurse Practitioner will be liable for the return cost as charged by the courier company.

4.2.2   Nurse Practitioners will also pay courier cost for re-delivery of the parcel.

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Mr. B Manganyi, Acting Manager: Revenue Collections and Sales at bmanganyi@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1081.

                                             ______________                                           

PROF NG MTSHALI                                                                                                   

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE:  ___________________________

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TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

               PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT – NON-ADHERENCE TO SCOPE OF PRACTICE REGULATIONS BY NURSE PRACTITIONERS

1. PURPOSE

   • The purpose of this correspondence is to sensitize Practitioners on the importance of adherence to the Scope of Practice Regulations R.2127 promulgated on 3 June 2022.

    

   2. BACKGROUND

    

   • The South African Nursing Council is a statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No. 33 of 2005) to protect the public in matters involving health services in general and Nursing services in particular.
   • The Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) is a Committee established in terms of Section 15 of the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No. 33 of 2005) and mandated to investigate all reported cases of alleged unprofessional conduct against Practitioners who are registered in terms of the Act. This is to ensure that the provision of Nursing services complies with set standards, values and national health policies.
   • On analysis of reported cases, PIC has noted with concern perpetual non-compliance by Practitioners to legislation and regulatory frameworks, specifically the Scope of Practice Regulations, resulting in bad outcomes for end-users.
   • The Scope of Practice Regulations R.2127 were promulgated by the Minister of Health,

   Dr J Phaahla on 3 June 2022.

    

   3. DIRECTIVE

    

   • Nurse Practitioners are urged to familiarise themselves and comply with provisions of the Scope of Practice Regulations. Failure to do so, will result in them being held personally liable for their acts and omissions.
   • Regulations are easily accessible on the SANC website, sanc.co.za

    

   The contents of this Circular must be brought to the attention of all Practitioners and Nurse Managers in health establishments.

    

   Enquiries in this regard can be directed to Dr J Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice on at jmuswede@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1008.

    

    

    

   _______________________                   

   DR NJ MUSWEDE

   ACTING REGISTRAR AND CEO

   S A NURSING COUNCIL

   DATE: ____________________

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TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

               PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT – DIRECTIVE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF A VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER PREVIOUS CAESAREAN SECTION (VBAC)

1. PURPOSE

• To sensitize Midwives and Midwife Specialists on the importance of managing women with a history of previous caesarean section in line with approved guidelines, policies and protocols, during labour.

2. BACKGROUND

• The South African Nursing Council is the statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No.33 of 2005). Its object is to serve and protect the public in matters involving health services generally and Nursing services in particular.
• Council has noted with concern the increasing non-compliance to approved policies, protocols and Guidelines for Maternity Care by Midwives and Midwife Specialists in managing VBAC.
• Based on the cases reported to Council it is evident that:
• Women with previous caesarean section deliveries are frequently treated as low-risk clients.
• Maternal and foetal monitoring inconsistently done.
• Inconsistent use of the Partogram.

3. VBAC MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

• In line with Guidelines for Maternity Care in South Africa (2016:89), women with a history of previous caesarean section presenting with labour pains MUST be managed as follows:
• Conduct labour in a hospital that can perform caesarean section on a 24-hour basis.
• Run an intravenous drip with Ringer’s lactate solution at 80-120 mL/hour and pass a urinary catheter to monitor excretion.
• Monitor with continuous Cardiotocography (CTG).
• Always use the Partogram and intervene timeously.
• Do not augment labour with oxytocin.
• Observe carefully for imminent uterine rupture signs and prepare for an emergency caesarean section immediately if rupture is suspected based on any of the following signs:
• Foetal tachycardia or foetal heart rate decelerations.
• Significant vaginal bleeding.
• Macroscopic haematuria.
• Strong abdominal pain between contractions.
• Sudden cessation of contractions.
• Indications for emergency caesarean section at attempted VBAC:
• The latent phase of labour exceeds 8 hours.
• Progress in the active phase of labour crosses to the right of the alert line

(progress <1 cm/hour).

• There are signs of imminent uterine rupture.

4. DIRECTIVE

• Midwives and Midwives Specialists are hereby instructed to adhere to approved guidelines, policies and protocols on VBAC management.

The contents of this Circular must be brought to the attention of all Practitioners and Nurse Managers in health establishments.

Enquiries in this regard can be directed to Dr J Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice at jmuswede@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1008.

_______________________                   

DR NJ MUSWEDE

ACTING REGISTRAR AND CEO

S A NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: ____________________

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20 June 2023

TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

               PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT – PRESCRIBED LECTURER: STUDENT RATIOS FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF NURSES

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this circular is to share with the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and relevant stakeholders about the revised Lecturer: Student Ratios in facilitation of theory and Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

2. BACKGROUND

2.1     The South African Nursing Council (SANC) is a statutory body which functions in terms of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005). It has a responsibility to establish, improve, monitor and control the conditions, standards and quality of Nursing Education & Training and Practice within the ambit of the Nursing Act and any other applicable laws.

2.2   The SANC engaged with Education and Training Stakeholders regarding the issue of                          Lecturer: Student Ratios because of the view that the current ratios are inadequate to meet the needs of the country and many students currently being admitted to higher education studies. It was also indicated that Nursing education and training has become very expensive considering that an increase in the number of students requires simultaneous increase in the number of Lecturers and other resources to ensure quality education and training. The benchmarking exercise was conducted with other countries including African countries in particular. Although there are variations, it became clear that other countries also have approved Lecturer: Student Ratios guidelines.

2.3     The Council deliberated on this matter in the ordinary meeting held on 30-31 March 2023 and resolved to approve the revised Lecturer: Student Ratios below.

Table 1 below depicts the revised ratios for undergraduate programmes for theory and Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Table 1: Undergraduate programmes

Table 2 below depicts the revised ratios for Postgraduate Diploma programmes (Clinical and non-clinical) for theory and WIL.

Table 2: Postgraduate Diploma Nursing programmes

3. IMPLICATIONS

3.1       The Nursing Education Institutions must ensure that distribution of teaching workload is fair and realistic to ensure quality teaching. Other factors to be considered include e.g. the weighting of the modules in terms of credits.

3.2       Increase in student numbers is not automatic, Nursing Education Institutions must still apply for extension of accreditation scope as stipulated in Sub-regulation 7(1) of the Regulations Relating to Accreditation of Institutions as Nursing Education Institutions (Government Notice No. R.173 of 8 March 2013).

3.3       The Nursing Education Institution must have offered the programme for at least a year before applying for an increase in the number of students.

3.4       The Letter of Support is still required for utilization of clinical facilities in the public sector, especially where the clinical spaces are more than what was allocated.

3.5       The Memorandum of Agreement signed within the last five (05) years will still be valid except where the clinical placement spaces are increased more than what was approved in terms of the (MOA/MOU).

3.6       Situational analyses conducted within the last five (05) years are still valid except where there have been major changes in respect of the services offered.

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo – Deputy Registrar at (012) 420 1059 or on e-mail at: jnxumalo@sanc.co.za

____________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE:  ___________________     

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1June 2023

TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

               PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

This Circular serves as confirmation of the South African Nursing Council’s fees and fines as stipulated in the Government Gazette published on 26 May 2023. 

1. ANNUAL FEES FOR 2024
   • NORMAL ANNUAL FEES

 The annual fees for the calendar year 2024 for different categories of Nurse Practitioners are provided in the table below:

• 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 table below:

• 60 TO 64 YEARS OF AGE ON 1 JANUARY 2024 (25% REDUCTION)

• 65 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER ON 01 JANUARY 2024 (50% REDUCTION)

NB: To qualify for the discount amounts, Nurse Practitioners may be required to submit a certified copy of their identity document in order to confirm their age.

Notes:

• The annual fees for 2024 must be received by the SANC on or before 31 December 2023.
• The amounts in the tables above all include 15% VAT.

2. RESTORATION FEES FOR 2024

The restoration fees for different categories applicable from 1 January 2024 are shown in the following table.

Notes:

The reduced restoration fee only applies to a Nurse Practitioner:

• Who must have been removed from the register at his/her own request; or
• Who must be 60 years of age or older on 1 January 2024. However, this must be confirmed with the Council before paying the reduced amount.

3. VOLUNTARY REMOVAL

A Nurse Practitioner who no longer wishes to practise in South Africa or who is unemployed, may request, in writing, for a voluntary removal of his/her name from the register, by completing the form available from the SANC. If a voluntary removal is granted by the SANC, the Nurse Practitioner’s name will be removed accordingly on the 31^st of December of the year in which the application is received. Once removed, the Nurse Practitioner will no longer be required to pay annual fees while he/she is removed from the register.

If the Nurse Practitioner requires reinstatement onto the register, he/she will, in addition to paying the reduced restoration fee, be required to complete a Restoration Form which can be accessed from the SANC website, www.sanc.co.za. It must be noted that practising while not being registered is illegal.

4. CLOSING DATE FOR PAYMENT OF ANNUAL FEES

Please note that for the calendar year 2024, the closing date for the payment of annual fees is 31 December 2023. Payments must reach the SANC bank account on or before the closing date. You are, therefore, urged not to leave payment for the last minute to avoid problems associated with making payments at year end.

Remember: Bank transfers from non-FNB banks may take up to 3 working days and you are therefore advised to pay well in advance to meet the 31 December 2023 deadline.

5. OTHER FEES

Please note that Annual Nursing Education Institution fees are payable from the 01 October 2023 to the 31 December 2023. Other fees and fees payable by institutions will be applicable with effect from 01 January 2024.

6. PERSAL DEDUCTIONS

The signing of Resolution 3 of 2019 in September 2019 by the National Department of Health together with major trade unions in Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC), brought into effect the implementation of PERSAL deductions from the 2020 APC season for all employees falling under the scope of the PHSDSBC.

As a result of this agreement, affected Nurse Practitioners are urged not to pay the annual fees on their own as the employers are required to pay on their behalf in terms of Resolution 3 of 2019.  

7. eREGISTER

The SANC has made an eRegister facility available on the SANC website which can be utilised by employers to verify the registration status of all Nurse Practitioners in their employment. Employers are urged to utilise this facility in the absence of a physical Annual Practising Certificate (APC).

Visit: https://www.sanc.co.za/eRegister.aspx for more details.

8. COMMUNITY SERVICE PRACTITIONERS

Community Service Practitioners are not eligible to be issued with an APC, and therefore, should NOT pay annual fees. They MUST pay a conversion fee on completion of their Community Service in order to be registered as Nurse Practitioners using the REGFPRA registration fee code instead of ANLFEES (e.g. 12345678REGFPRA).

Yours sincerely

______________________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO:

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL                 

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18 May 2023

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17 March 2023

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