Reading Room

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has published the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act 12 of 2019, (NQF Amendment Act) with the intention of preventing or at least minimising the use of fake certificates of qualification. 

The News & Updates forum on Basic Education 

https://www.skills-universe.com/forums/topic/open-for-comment-basic-education-laws-amendment-bill

carries further information on the invitation to submit comments on this bill to amend the South African School Act 84 of 1996, and the Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998, by 16h00 on the 19th January, 2023.

The Bill is attached. 

Peter Magubane: courageous photographer who chronicled South Africa’s struggle for freedom

Kylie Thomas, NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies

We hear a lot about Learnerships but no so much about skills programmes. Are they the same thing - or is there a difference? 

They are similar, and it could be said that any training that leads to formal NQF recognition is a skills programme, there are formal definitions. 

Skills Programme

A skills programme is a unit standard or combination of unit standards that leads to an employable skill, and earns a credit on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) towards a qualification.

We are saddened by the news of the unexpected passing of SAQA Chairperson Professor Dr Peliwe Lolwana and extend our condolences to her family and to all who worked with her. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has posted a tribute to Professor Lolwana - who served as the SAQA Chairperson. 

See SAQA announcement attached.

The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) https://www.qcto.org.za/  is responsible for the development of occupational qualifications, which are submitted to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) https://www.saqa.org.za/ for registration on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The 21 Sector Education & Training Authorities (SETAs) work with the QCTO, providing sector specific input to required qualifications, part qualifications, and skills programmes.

After the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup many South Africans felt that there should be a holiday to celebrate, however, as the Grade 12 examinations had started, an extra holiday would have been too disruptive. President Ramaphosa has now kept his promise to declare an extra Public Holiday in December - 

see attached copy of the Government Gazette Proclamation 143.  

What are the implications for employers?

SAFTU notice to strike - socio-economic demands

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has given notice of the intention to proceed with protest action and to call workers and the working class to support a day of protest. The protest is in response to the difficult socio-economic conditions of workers, and is scheduled from 00h05 until 23h55 on Wednesday 29th November 2023. Please see notice attached.

The Association for Skills Development in South Africa (ASDSA) https://asdsa.org.za/ is a professional body registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) https://www.saqa.org.za/services/recognition-of-professional-bodies/ . 

The Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) has commissioned Vulindlela Human Resource Technology to conduct a survey - requesting Skills Development Providers to contribute their experience of the QCTO services. 

Now this is the time to contribute - what is it that QCTO are doing right/wrong, what do you require, how should the QCTO be positioned for the future?

We often hear complaints about slow service, but if you don't take the time to participate, then your complaint loses credibility.