The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) is inviting eligible women to apply for Phase 2 of its Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme 2026. This government-supported initiative is designed to equip female security officers with practical drone operation skills that are increasingly in demand within South Africa’s private security industry.
The programme follows the successful first intake in 2025, where 64 women completed the training. Successful applicants in the 2026 intake will receive 6 to 8 weeks of specialised drone pilot training, with accommodation and transport provided during the practical training period.
Application Closing Date: 14 August 2026
PSiRA Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme 2026 Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme (Phase 2) |
| Organisation | Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) |
| Programme Duration | 6–8 Weeks |
| Closing Date | 14 August 2026 |
| Stipend | None |
| Accommodation | Provided |
| Transport | Provided to the training facility |
| Training Provider | RPAS Training (SACAA/1121/ATO) |
| Application Method |
About PSiRA
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating South Africa’s private security industry.
Its responsibilities include:
- Registering security officers
- Regulating private security companies
- Promoting professionalism within the industry
- Monitoring compliance with legislation
- Supporting skills development initiatives
As technology continues to reshape the security sector, PSiRA has introduced specialised training programmes to prepare security professionals for future careers. The Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme is one of these initiatives, aimed at increasing female participation in technology-driven security roles.
Why Drone Skills Matter
Drone technology has become an important tool across many industries, including:
- Private security
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Construction
- Emergency response
- Environmental monitoring
- Municipal services
Within the security industry, drones are commonly used for:
- Aerial surveillance
- Perimeter patrols
- Crime prevention
- Incident response
- Monitoring large properties
- Search operations
- Collecting visual evidence
As more organisations adopt drone technology, professionals with drone operation skills are becoming increasingly valuable.
What the Programme Offers
Successful participants will receive:
- 6–8 weeks of Drone Pilot Skills Training
- Practical drone operation experience
- Exposure to modern security technology
- Training specifically designed for women working in or entering the private security industry
- Accommodation and transport to the training venue
Please Note: The official advert does not state whether participants will receive a formal qualification, the NQF level (if applicable), the exact training venue, daily schedule, or the number of available places.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be female
- Be between 18 and 40 years old
- Be PSiRA registered and in good standing
- Be passionate about technology
- Hold a Matric certificate with at least 50% in English
- Be in good health
Required Documents
Applicants must email the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of PSiRA certificate
Ensure that all documents are clear, complete, and preferably saved as PDF files before submitting your application.
Important Information
Applicants should note the following:
- No stipend will be paid during the programme.
- Internet or data will not be provided for the online theory component.
- Applicants must have access to a reliable internet connection.
- Training dates will be communicated to successful candidates.
- Successful applicants must undergo an Aviation Class III Medical Examination before training.
- Accommodation and transport to the training facility will be provided.
Aviation Medical Examination
Successful applicants will be required to complete an Aviation Class III Medical Examination.
The official advert does not provide details about the examination process. Candidates should wait for further instructions from PSiRA after selection rather than arranging the medical examination independently.
Career Opportunities After Training
Although completion of the programme does not guarantee employment, the skills gained may improve your competitiveness for roles such as:
- Drone Operator
- Security Surveillance Operator
- Remote Monitoring Officer
- Security Technology Specialist
- Control Room Operator
- Tactical Response Support Officer
- Security Operations Coordinator
Drone skills may also be valuable in industries such as mining, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, conservation, construction, and disaster management.
Tips Before Applying
To improve your application:
Fresh listings:
- Ensure your PSiRA registration is active and in good standing.
- Update your CV with your latest experience.
- Check that all certified documents are clear and valid.
- Use a professional email address.
- Review your application carefully before sending it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors when applying:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Forgetting to attach required certified documents
- Using an outdated CV
- Omitting your PSiRA certificate
- Sending unclear or blurred document scans
- Applying after the closing date
Always keep copies of everything you submit.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email.
Attach the following:
- Completed application form
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Certified copy of your PSiRA certificate
Application Email: droneprogramme@psira.co.za
Submit your application before the closing date to be considered.
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit their documents well before the deadline.
Conclusion
The PSiRA Women Drone Pilot Skills Programme Phase 2 (2026) offers a valuable opportunity for women in the private security sector to gain practical drone operation skills in an industry where technology is rapidly transforming the way security services are delivered. While the programme does not offer a stipend, successful participants will benefit from free specialised training, with accommodation and transport provided. If you meet the eligibility requirements, ensure you submit a complete application before 14 August 2026 to take advantage of this unique skills development opportunity and position yourself for future careers in security technology.
Does this mean applicants must be working? I saw that you want active psira or maybe i don’t understand