Middelburg – Promise Mkhabela (34) from Thembisile Local Municipality is a security officer at Toyota Atlas in Boksburg, East Rand of Gauteng.
Mkhabela was able to secure employment after she had been awarded a 12-month-long learnership programme.
“The training taught me discipline, teamwork, and technical skills like patrol procedures, access control and emergency response,” Mkhabela said.
The learnership is a collaborative initiative between the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Safety and Security Sector Education Training Authority (SASSETA) and key training partners including Bidvest Protea Coin and Nsirhelelo Security Services.
The initiative aims to address South Africa’s challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality by equipping young, unemployed individuals with accredited security qualifications and practical workplace experience.
Speaking to Highveld Chronicle, Megan Joseph from Bidvest Protea Coin said the company’s longstanding partnership with the EPWP and SASSETA began in 2016.
“This is our eighth year of collaboration and the programme is designed to create entry points into the formal economy while offering long term career prospects in the security sector,” Joseph said.
The 12 month learnership is divided into two phases: three months of theoretical training at Gijima Training Academy, followed by nine months of practical experience at Bidvest Protea Coin operational sites.
Participants like Mkhabela graduate with PSIRA grades E, D & C, along with a NQF level 3 SASSETA accredited national certificate in General Security Practices.
To date, 409 learners have completed the programme, with many securing permanent employment within the security industry. The 2025 cohort completed their training between 24 June 2024 and 23 June 2025, with the current intake already underway.
Joseph said some learners drop out due to a lack of understanding of the programme’s demands. To counter this, the academy offers mentorship, reinforces discipline and works with partners to improve candidate screening.
Of the 50 learners enrolled, 47 successfully completed the R7-million funded programme. Each received a monthly stipend of R2,500 during their training.
“This programme is not just about completing a qualification; it’s about creating a bridge to long term employment,” Joseph said.
The goal is to expand access, enhance training quality and introduce higher level qualifications such as NQF level 4 to prepare graduates for specialised or managerial roles, added Joseph.
Mkhabela has since upgraded to obtain grades B and A, along with firearm and special event certifications. Her dream is to open a security company and training centre to create job opportunities for young people.
She encouraged the youth to take part in the initiative, describing security work as a potential stepping stone toward careers in law enforcement and related sectors.
