Tafta’s Siphelele Myeni with Wildlfower’s Hloni Mkhonza in studio at Gagasi FM to launch the academy.
Tafta partners with Wildflower Initiatives to strengthen South Africa’s future caregiving workforce
Tafta has partnered with QCTO-accredited training provider Wildflower Initiatives to launch the Tafta Wildflower Caregiver Academy, an initiative designed to strengthen South Africa’s future caregiving workforce through nationally accredited training and practical workplace experience.
The partnership responds to the country’s growing demand for qualified caregivers as South Africa’s older population continues to increase, while new legislative and regulatory requirements place greater emphasis on accredited qualifications within the elder care sector.
The Academy will offer the Occupational Certificate: Home-Based Personal Care Worker (SAQA ID: 104792, NQF Level 3), a nationally recognised QCTO-accredited qualification delivered over 12 months. Based at 17 Hutchinson Road, Umbilo, Durban, the programme combines classroom-based learning with structured workplace experience within Tafta’s care environments, ensuring learners graduate with both recognised qualifications and valuable practical experience.
“At Tafta, we have always believed that innovation is about creating sustainable solutions that extend beyond our own organisation,” said Femada Shamam, CEO of Tafta.
“As leaders in innovative solutions for older persons, we have a responsibility to help shape the future of elder care—not only by delivering quality services today, but by investing in the people who will care for future generations. This partnership represents an investment in the long-term sustainability of the caregiving profession and reinforces South Africa’s commitment to raising standards of care for older persons. It is a model that strengthens our sector locally while contributing to the broader global conversation around healthy ageing, workforce development and dignified care.”
Through the partnership, Wildflower Initiatives will deliver the accredited academic programme, while Tafta provides learners with access to regulated care environments for practical workplace learning under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Candice du Randt, Co-Director of Wildflower Initiatives, said the partnership bridges an important gap between education and employment, saying; “Too many young people in this country have a genuine gift for caring, but no clear route to turn it into a livelihood. The Tafta Wildflower Caregiver Academy exists to close that gap — with an accredited qualification, real workplace experience, and a direct line of sight to employment in a sector that urgently needs skilled people. This is training with a destination.”
Applications are now open for the next intake commencing on 5 August 2026, with places available for school leavers, job seekers and anyone seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in professional caregiving. Prospective students are encouraged to attend the Academy’s Open Days on 28 and 31 July 2026 to learn more about the programme, tour the training facilities and meet the team.
For more information or to register for an Open Day, contact Wildflower Initiatives on 066 288 7876, email taftatraining@wildflowerprojects.co.za, or visit 17 Hutchinson Road, Umbilo, Durban.
