Close Protector

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Close Protector. A Close Protector proactively and reactively facilitates safety and security of a defined client, whilst on foot, in a venue or vehicle, effectively rendering these environments more secure with respect to physical threats, harassment, embarrassment and discomfort with minimal impact on the client's daily activities. A qualified learner will be able to: • Provide close protection to a designated principal within the close protection environment.

The security sector plays an integral part in South Africa as it assists the law enforcement sector with a sustained environment in which crime is prevented and deterred. It is therefore, vital to ensure that persons within the ambit of private and public close protection are adequately trained and educated in terms of their competencies, skills and values. The security domain is divided into different sectors of which close protection is one. Close protection is a vital domain of security as it provides protection services to public and private figures such as high-ranking governmental officials and dignitaries. The creation of a safe and secure environment for these public and private figures is important as it creates a stable platform for them to fulfil their mandates and roles. Without their safety they would be unable to contribute to the country on various levels including, political, business, and scientific, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and entertainment levels. While the general security of the society in the country plays an important role to ensure that all citizens are secured and protected, it is of national interest that individuals such as business leaders, diplomats, dignitaries, celebrities, and the general public are protected. Therefore, this qualification plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the need for a safe and protected environment. This qualification will enable learners to gain knowledge and skills to assist principal(s) to live their lives in a safe and secure environment. The importance and impact of Close Protection in South Africa is significant, especially with the current development initiatives by government to improve the economy of the country, for example, protection of dignitaries from other countries visiting the South African government, international sporting events and concerts where protection is needed for both individuals and spectators. Close protectors are often the first ambassadors of South Africa that influential persons will meet on their first arrival into the country and therefore the Close Protectors need to be suitably trained and capable of performing the required task at the expected professional levels. Most learners endeavouring to complete this qualification may come from the law enforcement, defence and private security sector. Many of them would have completed a qualification in basic security aspects and will then move on to complete this qualification as it forms an area of specialisation within the security sector. However, this qualification has also been designed to allow learners who have no previous experience to access the sector. Learners entering this qualification will be able to progress vertically from generic security and law enforcement services qualifications to more specialised close protection services as well as articulate horizontally to security management practices, bomb disposal, policing, special combat capabilities and certain emergency medical care qualifications, within the prevailing regulations and legal prescripts. The qualification facilitates access to education, training and a career path within the close protection services thus developing a pool of qualified, professional close protection personnel. Upon completion of the qualification, learner will be able to gather Protective Information within the close protection environment; determine and organise logistics within the close protection environment; conduct planning within the close protection environment; implement protective measures within the close protection environment and conduct demobilisation; administration and debrief of a close protection operational task. In addition to these, learners will also gain valuable skills in terms of conflict management, protocol, etiquette, diplomacy and threat and risk analysis. This will enable learners to manage difficult and sensitive situations. The qualification has a minimum of 52 credits. The nature of occupation is such that it only requires training for competence over the period of 520 notional hours. This qualification addresses the critical niche in the security industry with limited competencies wherein there are no registered qualifications on the NQF currently.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification or part-qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Gather protective information within the close protection environment.
• Determine and organise logistics within the close protection environment.
• Conduct planning and coordination activities for venues within the close protection.
• Conduct planning and coordination activities for transit movements within the close protection.
• Implement Close Protective measures to a defined principal at venues within the close protection environment.
• Implement close protective measures to a defined principal in transit.