Frequently Asked Questions
In South Africa Midwifery training is currently offered as an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (R1497) offered at public colleges of nursing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Midwifery (R635) offered at public Colleges of Nursing and Universities. Universities offer undergraduate studies in Nursing and Midwifery (R174). Degree courses are offered at most universities and the universities usually have colleges affiliated to them that offer the diplomas.
In order to ensure that you choose a reputable training institution, visit the website of the South African Nursing Council (www.sanc.co.za). As regulatory authority for the profession in SA, they have lists of accredited facilities where the standard of training is maintained at a desirable level.
It is not part of the mandate of the Society of Midwives of South Africa to provide contact details of practitioners. As a member association of the International Confederation of Midwives we agree with the position statement stating that a midwife is the most appropriate care provider during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period for a low risk pregnancy and birth.
Kindly visit the following website that have a directory function for service providers like midwives, doulas and childbirth preparation educators in SA: www.birthworks.co.za
The Midwifery profession is regulated under Act No. 33 of 2005. The Nursing Act and the South African Nursing Council is the regulatory body of Midwifery in South Africa: www.sanc.co.za
The following regulations are applicable:
2598 of 30 November 1984 relating to the scope of practice of persons who are registered or enrolled under the Nursing Act, 1978
R767 of 1 October 2014 – Acts and Omissions
R2127 of 3 June 2022 – Scope of practice for Nurses and Midwives
R2488 of 26 October 1990 – Regulations relating to the conditions under which registered midwives and enrolled midwives may carry on their profession;
R425 of 22 February 1985 relating to the approval of and the minimum requirements for the education and training of a Nurse (General, Psychiatric and Community) and Midwife leading to registration
R174 of 8 March 2013 relating to the Approval of and the Minimum Requirements for the Education and Training of a Learner leading to Registration in the Categories Professional Nurse and Midwife
1497 of 22 November 2019 relating to the approval and minimum requirements for the education and training of a learner leading to registration in the category Midwife
- SOMSA will assist with access to the SOMSA database for research purposes via SOMSA website and Facebook page.
- Access will only be granted based on the request and the conditions specified by SOMSA.
- It is important to note that the database should be used exclusively for research purposes and in compliance with relevant laws, such as POPIA.
- Once the study is completed, all researchers who were allowed access to the SOMSA database must present their findings at the annual SOMSA congress.
- Placement of International Students that require midwifery experience
- Information for student projects
- SOMSA cannot distribute the contact lists of its members