South African law emphasises the need to vet all staff members who come into contact with children. There are three types of security clearances that should to be undertaken by persons working with children:
- South African Police Services, Police Clearance Certificate (also known as a SAPS PCC);
- Sexual Offenders Register Clearance; and
- Child Protection Register Check.
The second two clearances are legal requirements. Even though there is no legislation requiring educators and staff working with children to have conducted a Police Clearance, SACE does not register any educators who do not have a Police Clearance Certificate.
ISASA’s most recent memorandum on this topic (January 2024), as well as accompanying documents, are available for download below: