On 23 September 2011 Ministers responsible for education and training in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved the establishment of the SADC Regional Qualifications Framework (RQF).
This SADC RQF will be a reference framework described by level descriptors and will include:
• quality assurance guidelines which set minimum standards for quality assurance in the SADC region
• a SADC Qualifications Portal which will incorporate full and part-time qualifications that are formally recognised in SADC member states The SADC RQF is expected to contribute to the efforts of developing a continental qualifications framework for mutual recognition of degrees and qualifications in higher education.
The establishment of the SADC RQF is the culmination of a journey that began in 2001 when SADC member states called for a regional qualifications framework during a Sectoral Ministers Meeting held in Mauritius. At the time Ministers and Senior Officials of SADC member states agreed that a regional qualifications framework offered an important mechanism through which to enhance mobility, harmonisation and recognition of qualifications across the region.
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