TLDR: Navigate Compliance, in partnership with the International Compliance Association (ICA), has launched South Africa’s first SAQA-accredited Certified Digital Risk and Compliance Practitioner pathway. This comprehensive program, accredited by the Institute of Chartered IT Professionals (ICITP), aims to equip professionals with advanced skills to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and technological advancements, including a specialized certificate in AI for Compliance Professionals. The initiative addresses the growing demand for a skilled and ethically responsible workforce in an era of digital innovation and intensifying regulatory requirements.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Navigate Compliance, an award-winning regulatory risk firm, in collaboration with the International Compliance Association (ICA), a leading professional body for the global regulatory and financial crime compliance community, has officially launched South Africa’s first SAQA-accredited IT Practitioner in Compliance Designation. This groundbreaking initiative, announced on January 22, 2025, introduces the ‘Certified Digital Risk and Compliance Practitioner pathway’, designed to bridge the critical gap between rapidly evolving technology and robust governance frameworks.
The newly accredited pathway has received prestigious accreditation from the Institute of Chartered IT Professionals (ICITP) and is recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). It also aligns with the South Africa Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA’s) Learning Pathways as Professional Learning Programmes, ensuring its relevance and recognition within the industry. The program is exclusively available through Navigate Compliance, an official partner of the ICA.
This comprehensive suite of training programmes is meticulously designed to equip compliance and financial crime prevention professionals with contemporary skills essential for combating money laundering and managing risks associated with new technologies. Among the key accredited qualifications within this pathway is the ‘ICA Specialist Certificate in AI for Compliance Professionals’, highlighting the program’s forward-thinking approach to integrating artificial intelligence into compliance practices.
Pekka Dare, President of the ICA, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch: “I welcome the launch of our fully accredited suite of qualifications offered in partnership with Navigate Compliance. These country-specific customised qualifications are strategically designed to address the urgent needs of today’s risk management and digital transformation challenges, equipping professionals with the essential skills and insights to lead in the evolving compliance and digital sectors.”
Sholane Sathu, Managing Director of Navigate Compliance, further elaborated on the market demand driving this initiative: “In today’s market of digital innovation, the complexity of regulatory requirements has intensified, creating growing demand for skilled and ethically responsible workforce. In response to this demand, we’ve been working closely with the International Compliance Association to launch a fully accredited training programme for compliance and financial crime prevention practitioners. The qualifications do not only provide professionals with valuable credentials, but they also serve as a vital arsenal in promoting ethical business practices and fostering a safer digital environment.”
Navigate Compliance, established in 2016, is recognized for its digital-first approach, leveraging modern toolkits and automation-ready frameworks, including Microsoft Purview. The firm prides itself on delivering execution rather than just advice, building tailored solutions, and embedding expertise from within client organizations. Their team comprises multi-disciplinary talent, including compliance, legal, digital, AI, ESG, risk, and governance experts, ensuring a holistic approach to complex regulatory challenges.
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This new designation is poised to empower South African professionals to navigate the intricate intersection of technology and regulation, fostering a more secure and compliant digital economy.
