Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

23 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers

Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers

For immediate release
23 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) was granted funding by Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) to train 120 unemployed learners as Patrol Officers across the Garden Route district. This programme includes all the (7) b-municipalities, under the coordination of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) program – a skills development initiative owned by the GRDM.

Training commenced on 30 October 2023 and will conclude on the 1st of March 2024.

Management and officials from Garden Route District Municipality, with beneficiaries of the Patrol Officer Training Programme.

The allocation per municipal area includes: Bitou – 17, Knysna – 14, George –13, Mossel Bay – 10, Kannaland – 31, Hessequa – 20 and Oudtshoorn – 15.

The course consists of both theory and practical experience that includes the following unit standards:

  • How to perform basic firefighting.
  • Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace.
  • How to use security equipment.
  • Conduct a security patrol in an area of responsibility.
  • Handle complaints and problems.
  • Perform handover and take-over responsibilities.
  • Give evidence in court.
  • Apply legal aspects in a security environment.
  • Explain the requirements for becoming a security service provider.

Training takes place at various venues across the region and learners are hosted at different workplaces to complete their practical part of the programme. Apart from learners receiving a monthly stipend, each student will furthermore receive a certificate for General Security Practices Skills Program: Patrol Officer NQF 3, when successfully completed.

These learners were placed at various institutions to do their practical training. These institutions include:

  • George Municipality
  • Knysna Municipality
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality
  • Hessequa Municipality
  • Kannaland Municipality
  • Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Alert Patrol Securities (Mossel Bay)
  • Plett Security (Bitou)
  • Isolomzi Securities (Bitou)

Sisanda Sajini, one of the twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who is based at the GRDM’s Economic Development Unit, currently provides project management assistance by coordinating meetings and continuously gives feedback and updates to the GRDM.

Project Manager of the SASSETA, Boniswa Witbooi, on the 7th of September 2023, visited the GRDM for an induction session as part of a monitoring process organised by the Corporate Service Department of GRDM.

GRDM is grateful for the opportunity to work with the SASSETA, especially the team, including Wahida Moosa, Boniswa Witbooi and Katlego Pitso, in combating unemployment and poverty within the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

After completion of the Patrol Officer Training, learners will be able to work as Patrol Officers, Security guards and will operate mainly in the security sector.

This is an entry-level qualification which will enable individuals to enter the Security industry and develop competencies in standard security practices, such as access and egress control, security response and patrols, asset protection and visible security operations and will also enhance their career opportunities within the security environment.

ENDS