SA AIA to Launch National Skills Development Partner Accreditation in 2026
11 Nov 2025
New accreditation framework sets consistent standards across adventure-based training in South Africa.
Pretoria, South Africa — 11 november 2025
The South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) will officially launch its Skills Development Partner (SDP) & Instructor/Trainer Accreditation Programme in early 2026 — beginning with the 4×4 Off-Road & Overlanding sector as the first accredited discipline under SA AIA’s expanding Technical Skills Framework.
This accreditation system replaces the gap left by the discontinuation of TETA’s 4×4 accreditation and introduces a nationally unified, multi-skill framework that will eventually cover mountain biking, ropework, paddling, hiking, and other technical adventure competencies.
What the Accreditation Programme Includes
The new accreditation system evaluates and recognises both:
Skills Development Partners (SDPs) — the organisations delivering training and
Instructors/Trainers — the individuals teaching the skills
Key components include: quality assurance, trainer competence requirements, CPD alignment, certificate coding standards, and a three-year accreditation cycle.
2026 Pricing Model
Based on SA AIA’s newly approved pricing structure:
Corporate Skills Development Partners (SDPs)
Corporate Membership: R1,500/year (includes 1 free Professional Membership)
SDP Accreditation Fee: R2,000 once-off (valid 3 years)
Re-accreditation: R1,000 (every 3 years)
CPD Activity Registration: R500 per activity (valid 3 years)
Requirement: At least one SA AIA-accredited Instructor/Trainer
Instructor/Trainer Accreditation
Professional Membership: R250/year (under 35) or R450/year (35+)
Instructor/Trainer Accreditation: R800 once-off (valid 3 years)
Re-accreditation: R400 (every 3 years)
Requirements: Valid First Aid, Fire Safety, facilitation skills, CV, and observed assessment
Optional professional designation: R800 (renewed every 3 years)
Non-member Pricing
For external non-member SDPs and trainers, fees range from R1,000–R4,000 depending on accreditation level.
Why It Matters
Adventure skills training across South Africa is currently fragmented, with inconsistent standards and no overarching quality assurance body. SA AIA’s framework introduces:
Industry-wide consistency
Recognised quality assurance
A national register of accredited SDPs and Trainers
Traceability for certificates and CPD activities
A scalable model across multiple adventure disciplines
“This framework isn’t just replacing what was lost with TETA — it’s building something bigger. A credible, standardised, multi-skill accreditation system for the entire adventure industry.”— JJ du Plooy, Chairperson of SA AIA Off-Road and Overlanding Chapter
The 4×4 chapter will be the first to go live, with mountain biking, paddling, mountaineering, and other skills entering phased rollout during 2026.
More information: https://www.saaia.org.za/offroad-and-overlanding-chapter