Robert Sobukwe Nursing AcademyRSNA

Robert Sobukwe Nursing Academy, known as RSNA, is a private skills development provider based in Goodwood, Cape Town. It was established in 2021 and is named after Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Although the word nursing is in its name, the academy does not advertise the professional nursing qualifications that lead to registration as a nurse. Its training centres on caregiving, community health, first aid, occupational health and safety, and workplace training skills.

The academy is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) as a training provider, and it is also a QCTO-accredited assessment centre for two of its occupational certificates. Its QCTO offering includes occupational certificates in home-based care, at NQF Level 2 for a personal assistant and NQF Level 3 for a personal worker, and a Disability Attendant certificate at NQF Level 3. It also offers occupational skills programmes in emergency first aid at NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4; in learning and development facilitation, assessment practice, skills development facilitation and work-based learning at NQF Level 5; and in broiler farm work and horticultural farm work at NQF Level 2.

Alongside these, the academy runs short skills courses verified by the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH), a professional body recognised by SAQA. The academy says these courses contribute to continuing professional development. Topics include health care assistance, home-based care, wound care, HIV counselling with rapid testing, HIV, STI and TB management, palliative care, Alzheimer's and dementia care, diabetic and stoma care, health administration, early childhood caregiving, basic first aid, basic fire fighting, evacuation marshalling and health and safety representation.

Teaching takes place in person at the Goodwood campus and mixes classroom theory with hands-on practical training. The website does not describe any distance or online study.

Applying works in three steps. A prospective student first enquires and chooses a course, by WhatsApp, phone, the online application or a visit to the campus. They then complete an application form, which can be collected at the campus, requested electronically or filled in online. Finally, they pay a non-refundable registration fee, which secures a seat and confirms provisional acceptance. The website does not publish an intake calendar, entry requirements for each course or a fee list, so these questions go to the admissions office.