• See Licence Renewal Imbizo's (28 August 2006)
• Training Overview
• SAPS Accredited Training Providers / Shooting Ranges / Associations
• SASSETA, Theta Seta and SAQA
• Firearm Unit Standards (10 May 2005)
• SABS Update
• SABS Legislation for Shooting Ranges
• SABS Accreditation for Shooting Ranges
• Poslec Seta

New Licences require full theoretical and practical aspects
Licence Renewals require just a theoretical aspect

The training providers have to have access to an SABS accredited shooting range, be SASSETA accredited and SAPS accredited. 

See Poslec Seta Press Release on Training Providers (5 May 2005)

See SAPS Press Release on Training (26 July 2004)

The number of SAPS accredited Training Providers, Shooting Ranges and Associations is becoming too large to list in full. Please CLICK HERE for a link to the SAPS website where all the details are provided in a spreadsheet for:

Accredited Training Providers
Accredited Shooting Ranges
Accredited Sport Shooting Associations
Accredited Hunting Associations
Accredited Collectors Associations

SASSETA Update
Poslec Seta and Didteta merged on 1 July 2005 to form the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASETA). 

Poslec Update (20 May 2005)
The capturing of data for Proficiency certificates is happening in the current month. Turn-around time is estimated to be five weeks.
Problems being experienced by Poslec with the returns from the training providers include: Illegible handwriting; incomplete forms, forms not filled out properly e.g. with full address information; ID supplied but not certified; etc. Please ensure your training provider submits the documents as required to avoid any delays.
A call-centre is being set up, to start sometime in June, to assist people with queries about their certificates. As soon as this is working the number will be supplied.

Theta Seta Announcement
It was announced on 1 September 2004 that Theta Seta (Tourism, Hospitality and Sport) are responsible for the hunting and sport shooting unit standards.
The work on these unit standards is ongoing.

Telephone (011) 803-6010 Fax (011) 803-6702 Call Centre 0860 100221
Web www.theta.org.za

SAQA SA Qualifications Authority

New Licences:
Handgun No. 10748
Rifle No. 10754
Shotgun No. 10750

See also Unit Standards Revision (15 June 2005)

Licence Renewals:
Demonstrate knowledge of the Firearms Control Act No. 117705

Administer the firearms control process and procedures in a policing environment:
Designated Firearms Officer No. 119131

Example Unit Standard

Title:  Use of a handgun
ID:  10748
NQF Level:  Level 4
Subfield:  Safety in Society
SGB:  SGB Security
NSB:  Law, Military Science and Security
Credits:  10

All qualifications and unit standards registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. 

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 
Use of a handgun

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 

This unit standard is for relevant persons to competently carry, handle, shoot and maintain a handgun through the application of knowledge of the relevant legislation and skills in the safe and responsible handling of a handgun.

This unit standard includes the requirements to gain the appropriate licence for the possession and/or carrying of handguns both private and for business purposes.

Benefit for society of this unit standard is that the person who completes this will contribute to safety in society.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:

• Understand the relevant legislation required for the lawful possession and use of a handgun
• Handle a handgun safely
• Operate, use and maintain a handgun
• Shoot a handgun competently.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE 

The following knowledge, skills, attitude and/or equivalent:

• A knowledge, comprehension and application of language at NQF 03.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
This unit standard applies to persons competently carrying, handling, shooting and maintaining a handgun.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required. 

OUTCOME NOTES
Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required for the lawful possession and use of a handgun. 

OUTCOME RANGE
The types of relevant legislation should include:

• Applicable sections of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
• Applicable section of the Criminal Procedures Act, 1977.
• Applicable section of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993.
• Applicable sections of the Dangerous Weapons Act.
• Applicable sections of the SIRA Act 56/2001.
• Applicable sections of specific Acts relevant to unique job/workplace environments
• Private defence
• Moral & humanitarian considerations (proportionality)
• Continuum of force
• Vicarious liability
• Civil liability

 Handgun should include:

• Semi automatic pistol and revolver
  

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

 ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The application of knowledge and understanding on the possession of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation.   

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The application of knowledge and understanding on the use of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. The requirements for possession of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
4. The requirements for the use of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5
5. Handgun and ammunition is kept according to operational procedures and legal requirements for safekeeping of firearms and ammunition.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Handle handguns safely. 

OUTCOME RANGE
Standard safe handling procedures should include:

• Safe handling rules & Safety procedures/drills.
• Loading & unloading
• Handgun retention

 Appropriate operational, specific tactical manner and in holsters should include:

• Types of holsters.
• Company policy/operational procedures
• Handgun conditions of readiness
• Handgun holster use
• Handgun carry methods

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

 ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of safe handling of handguns in accordance with standard safe handling procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
2. Safety of self and others ensured by handling and/or carrying handguns in appropriate operational, handgun specific tactical manner and in holsters that comply with legal requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
3. Safety of self and others ensured through proper retention of handgun in accordance with standard safe handling procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
4. Ammunition carried is appropriate to handgun being handled and manufacturers specifications. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Operate, use and maintain handguns. 

OUTCOME RANGE
Operated safely must include:

• Range safety
• Personal safety
• Public safety

 Threat identification & analysis must include:

• Conditions of readiness
• Mental conditions
• Mindset
• Immediate surroundings
• Alertness
• Stress awareness
• Pre-emption & pre-visualisation

 Manufacturers guidelines/operational procedures must include:

• Specific handgun (manufacturers) operating manual
• Names, parts & function of handgun
• Basic internal, external and terminal ballistics
• Components and functioning of handgun ammunition
• Disassembling and assembling of handgun
• Charge & emptying of magazine/cylinder
• Loading & unloading (range & operational)

 Maintenance must include:

• Cleaning of handgun
• Cleaning equipment
• Care of handgun
• Care of ammunition

 Visible faults must include:

• Fail to feed
• Fail to chamber
• Fail to fire
• Fail to extract
• Fail to eject
• Fail to cycle

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

 ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
1. Handguns operated and used safely according to manufacturers guidelines, operational procedures and prevailing legislation. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
2. Handgun used with specific attention to threat identification & analysis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
3. Safety of handgun and/or ammunition ensured by checking the handgun, ammunition and equipment on receipt and return to ensure they are in a safe and serviceable condition. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
4. Demonstrate and apply maintenance procedures according to manufacturers specifications and safety procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5
5. Visible faults identified and action taken according to operational procedures and prevailing legal requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6
6. Handgun and ammunition received, kept and issued in a clean and serviceable condition. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7
7. Handguns and ammunition not in use transported & stored in a manner as required by prevailing legislation and employer requirements.   

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Shoot handgun competently. 

OUTCOME RANGE
Malfunctions and immediate action drills must include:

• Firearm misfires
• Abuse
• Mechanical malfunction
• User malfunction
• Clearing of malfunction (range & operational)

 Accurately must include:

• Accurate up to a minimum of 10 meters distance using all stances and light conditions.

 Shooting range procedures must include:

• Range rules & safety
• Range commands
• Safety equipment

 Handgun fired competently must include:

• Shooting fundamentals
• Fault analysis
• Low light shooting
• Cover (barricades) & concealment

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
1. Handgun fired competently and accurately in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
2. Handgun fired competently and accurately during low light situations, in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
3. Handgun fired competently and accurately in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures whilst making use of a barricade/cover. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
4. Malfunction and immediate action drills identified and corrected in accordance with standard safety procedures and in line with operational conditions. 

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 

1. Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the POSLEC SETA ETQA/and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into.
2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the POSLEC SETA ETQA by SAQA/and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into.
3. The POSLEC SETA ETQA/and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into will oversee assessment and moderation of assessment according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant competency and the POSLEC SETA ETQA/ and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 

Refer to the Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria and the Range of variables contained in this unit standard and specifically to:

• A comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation, licensing requirements and procedures and practices.
• A comprehensive understanding of discretion in the use of firearms
• A comprehensive understanding of the operation & mechanics of handguns
• A broad understanding of ammunition and ballistics
• A broad understanding of shooting range procedures
• A comprehensive understanding of Guidelines for the safe use and handling of handguns
• A comprehensive understanding of Fundamentals of shooting a handgun.

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
Identify and solve problems related to the achievement of relevant legislative competencies. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANIZING 
Organise oneself and one`s activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in lawfully possessing and using a handgun.   

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information related to the relevant legislation so that these are accurately interpreted into application performance standards. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
Understand the world as a set of related systems in that legislative requirements are interrelated with the overall safe and lawful possession and use of a handgun. 

UNIT STANDARD NOTES 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS:
Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are:

 LEGAL

• Applicable sections of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
• Applicable section of the Criminal Procedures Act, 1977.
• Applicable section of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993.
• Applicable sections of the Dangerous Weapons Act.
• Applicable sections of the SIRA Act 56/2001.
• Applicable sections of specific Acts relevant to unique job/workplace environments
• Private defence
• Moral & humanitarian considerations (proportionality)
• Constitution
• Continuum of force
• Vicarious liability
• Civil liability

 CONTEXT SPECIFIC

• Training provider user manuals
• Specifications, company operational agreements and policies and procedures

 Resources required for Assessment

• Relevant shooting range.
• Shooting exercise order.
• Tools, equipment and materials for range set up.
• Drill rounds and replica firearms
• Relevant handguns, magazines/speed loaders and ammunition.
• Holsters and magazine/speed loader pouches.
• Firearm cleaning equipment
• Safety equipment and protective uniform/clothes
• Communications equipment.
• Necessary administrative and stationary issue.
• First aid/fire fighting equipment.
• Criterion referenced assessment instructions/tools.
• Relevant shooting range standing orders.
• A suitable venue: either in the workplace or classroom.

SPECIAL NOTES WITH REFERENCE TO LEARNING HOURS REQUIRED WHEN LEARNING TOWARDS A COMBINATION OF UNIT STANDARDS:

 Should a learner attempt the unit standard: Use of a handgun in combination with the three other unit standards namely, use of a shotgun/hand machine carbine/rifle the total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes of all four standards (in combination) would be: 190 hours. The rational for shortening the total learning hours by more than half is that similar knowledge and skills are present in some of the specific outcomes and assessment criteria.

 Such similarities is evident in outcomes such as the application of knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required for the lawful possession and use of a shotgun/handgun/hand machine carbine/rifle and in the assessment criteria: demonstrate and apply knowledge of safe handling of a shotgun/handgun/hand machine carbine/rifle in accordance with standard safe handling procedures of specific outcome: handle handguns safely.

Finally, the learning hours required, combination should be as follows:

Learning towards first unit standard: 100 notional training hours.
Additional learning towards any one of the three remaining unit standards: 30 notional training hours.
 

Example:

First unit:
Unit Standard No. 10748: Use of a handgun. 100 notional training hours.

 Combined with:
Unit Standard No. 10754: Use of a shotgun. 30 notional training hours and/or;
Unit Standard No. 10756: Use of a hand machine carbine. 30 notional training hours and/or;
Unit Standard No. 10750: Use of a rifle. 30 notional training hours.  

When standards are attempted as a combination total notional training hours required for all four standards should be 190 notional training hours.

Update 

The SABS have provided an update on the range situation at the moment.
* For those ranges who have not yet been assessed they need to apply for accreditation at the SABS in order for an assessor to physically inspect the range. (see below for forms and information)
* There are at present about 146 ranges which have been SABS assessed and found compliant with the Standards Act. (These ranges can now apply to SASSETA for accreditation)
* There are about 30 ranges in the process of being assessed.
* There is a list of SABS accredited shooting ranges on their Regulatory website which is updated once a week. Go to www.regulatory.co.za select Human Health & Environment and then select Accredited Shooting Ranges.
* Turn around time for assessment of ranges (once all the administrative processes are complete) is about 7 days.
* Only about 30% of the ranges which are assessed meet all the requirements first time. The remainder then have to make whatever changes are required and are then assessed again. They are not charged again for the re-assessment.

I, Mandisi Mpahlwa, Minister of Trade and Industry, hereby under section 22(1)(a)(i) of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No. 29 of 1993), and on the recommendation of the Council of the South African Bureau of Standards, with effect from the date two months after the date of publication of this notice, declare the specifications contained in the Schedule, to be compulsory.

The gazette can be ordered at a cost of R5.00 per copy from the Government Printing Works in Pretoria on telephone (012) 334-4507, 334-4510, 334-4509 or in Cape Town on telephone (021) 465-7531.
Alternatively, download a pdf version HERE

The Government Gazette above claims that ALL shooting ranges must meet the compulsory specifications but the SABS have confirmed that this only applies for SABS accreditation which is only required for those ranges which intend doing training in terms of the FCA.

What you need to do: (1) Make sure your range meets the compulsory specifications as per the government gazette (see above). (2) Download the relevant preassessment form (see below). (3) Contact the SABS to do the necessary paperwork and make payment arrangements (R4000 excl.), and to discuss your range and what needs to be done (details below). (4) Once your SABS accreditation is complete contact Poslec Seta to arrange for your training accreditation.

To make arrangements for your range accreditation and for any further information please contact the assessors who travel thoughout South Africa:
Cobus Steyl (082) 441-8982 - based in Durban or
Andre Botha (083) 236-2180 - based in Cape Town

Links to SABS Accreditation Preassesment Forms:

Indoor Ranges

Outdoor Ranges