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17 October 2025
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City of Tshwane Emergency Services department achieve accreditation for first aid training
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The City of Tshwane (CoT) Emergency Services Department (ESD) is one of the first municipality to officially obtain accreditation from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) to offer First Aid Training Levels 1, 2 and 3. The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is a statutory body responsible for ensuring the quality of occupational qualifications in South Africa. Its accreditation confirms that a training provider’s programmes meet national occupational standards and are aligned with the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF).
The significance of this achievement for the Emergency Services Department’s Training Academy enhances institutional credibility, compliance and alignment with national skills development legislation. It affirms the City’s role as a recognized provider of quality, accredited training that supports the country’s broader human capital development goals.
The QCTO accreditation enables the delivery of accredited and quality assured First Aid training, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with occupational health and safety standards. It also creates opportunities for the department to generate revenue through the provision of recognized training programmes to external stakeholders.
The accreditation translates into access to nationally recognised First Aid qualifications, empowering residents with life-saving skills, improving employability and strengthening community resilience in emergencies.
To achieve QCTO accreditation, the department had to adhere to the outlined requirements which amongst others include, having registered as Skills Development Providers (SDPs), employ qualified and registered facilitators, assessors, and moderators, and maintain appropriate training facilities and equipment. The accreditation process generally takes a duration of six to twelve months, depending on application readiness and evaluation timelines.
The Emergency Services Department currently has approved tariffs in place for First Aid Levels 1, 2 and 3, guiding training costs for both internal and external participants.
Source: Nana Radebe-Kgiba, deputy chief, Public Information and Liaison Services, City of Tshwane Emergency Services
The significance of this achievement for the Emergency Services Department’s Training Academy enhances institutional credibility, compliance and alignment with national skills development legislation. It affirms the City’s role as a recognized provider of quality, accredited training that supports the country’s broader human capital development goals.
The QCTO accreditation enables the delivery of accredited and quality assured First Aid training, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with occupational health and safety standards. It also creates opportunities for the department to generate revenue through the provision of recognized training programmes to external stakeholders.
The accreditation translates into access to nationally recognised First Aid qualifications, empowering residents with life-saving skills, improving employability and strengthening community resilience in emergencies.
To achieve QCTO accreditation, the department had to adhere to the outlined requirements which amongst others include, having registered as Skills Development Providers (SDPs), employ qualified and registered facilitators, assessors, and moderators, and maintain appropriate training facilities and equipment. The accreditation process generally takes a duration of six to twelve months, depending on application readiness and evaluation timelines.
The Emergency Services Department currently has approved tariffs in place for First Aid Levels 1, 2 and 3, guiding training costs for both internal and external participants.
Source: Nana Radebe-Kgiba, deputy chief, Public Information and Liaison Services, City of Tshwane Emergency Services