The Eastern Cape Department of Education's Human Resource Development has taken a significant step in capacitating 700 learner security officers across four districts. This initiative, made possible through the Skhusel'imfundo Equitable share and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), aims to equip these learners with valuable skills, empowering them for future success.

The training program is designed to provide learners with the necessary skills to become qualified and certified security officers. Upon completion, they will obtain C, D, E, and B security grades and register with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).

Dumisani Rheme from Falcon Security Group emphasized the importance of ensuring all 700 trainees are capacitated and registered under PSIRA by the end of the program.

The learners have already been placed in schools since April 2025 and receive a stipend from EPWP. Although their contracts will come to an end  in March 2025, the skills they acquire will enable them to apply to any security company with vacancies.

 Unathi Velebhayi, one of the facilitators, highlighted that the trainees are being taught how to conduct themselves in a workplace as security officers and how to tackle challenges they encounter.

This initiative demonstrates the department's commitment to human resource development, which is essential for organizational growth and success. By investing in the education, training, and development of employees, organizations can improve employee relations, create focus on company goals, clarify hiring practices, and increase employee skills