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374 pre-2009 Unit standards qualifications will have their last date of enrollment extended for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years.
July 2024
This is a South African government notice published in the Government Gazette on June 3, 2024. It addresses the implementation and transitional arrangements for qualifications registered under the old South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Act (1995) transitioning to the National Qualifications Framework Act (NQF Act, 2008).
The NQF Act established a ten-level qualifications framework with sub-frameworks overseen by quality councils. Qualifications registered under the old eight-level SAQA Act needed to be reviewed and realigned to the new framework.
The deadline for registering pre-2009 qualifications ended in June 2023. The deadline for new enrollments in these qualifications was set for June 2024, and the deadline for learners already enrolled to complete their qualifications was set for June 2027.
Many pre-2009 qualifications haven't been reviewed or replaced with new qualifications under the NQF Act.
The directive replaces the previous 2020 arrangements and takes effect on June 1, 2024.
De-registration: 1,101 pre-2009 qualifications will be deregistered. These include qualifications replaced by new ones, dormant qualifications, and those no longer relevant.
Extensions: The enrollment deadline for 374 qualifications will be extended by 1-2 years. This applies to qualifications in the process of realignment or linked to specific regulatory needs.
Artisanal Qualifications: Extensions will also apply to artisanal qualifications where new standards are still being developed.
Skills Programs: Pre-2009 unit standards used for regulatory purposes will continue to be recognized but must be realigned.
SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) are tasked with finalizing the development and replacement of qualifications. They must submit development plans and ensure resource allocation for this transition.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), SAQA, and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) will monitor and report on the transition process.
The directive aims to ensure that the transition to the updated NQF is managed effectively without disrupting learners’ progress. It focuses on aligning qualifications with current needs and standards, thus improving the quality and relevance of educational offerings.
For more details, the full directive is available here.
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