There have been a number of previous discussions on skills-universe on the requirements for training providers in the Occupational Health and Safety arena (OHS).

In summary, previously Department of Employment and Labour would accept providers of non-accredited training. That has now changed. Such providers need to be accredited to offer the OHS training programmes, before they approach the DoEL.

Please see the attached Government Gazette Notice.

However, please note the use of the word "the", which implies that there will only be one accrediting body delegated by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

Maryna Ritter, a Board member of the Association for Skills Development in South Africa (ASDSA) has approached the QCTO executive management to clarify whether that does mean that Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Training Authority (MERSETA) - as an example - would no longer be an accrediting body.

Also, if the Notice does not mean what it says, to please provide us with a list of the accrediting Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

More importantly, if it does mean what it says - can we assume that will be the Health and Welfare Seta (HWSETA), and has/when did the other SETA accreditation lapse/d?