South African Qualifications Authority

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION GIVES SAQA, QCTO AND DHET RESPONSIBILITY TO EXTEND PRE-2009 EXPIRED QUALIFICATIONS ON CASE BY CASE BASIS The Minister of Higher Education  has issued a provision allowing for the extension of the last date of enrolment and achievement for pre-2009 expired qualifications on a case-by-case basis. This extension can be granted for no longer than 2 years, provided that the criteria set by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) are met. The purpose of this provision is to address exceptional challenges arising from the implementation of the directive regarding expired qualifications. It is important to note that any decisions to extend the enrolment and achievement dates for these qualifications must be made in accordance with the provisions and timeframes specified in the directive. This ensures that extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis while maintaining compliance with the broader framework and regulations. More information on pre-2009 expired qualifications is available on the SAQA website, www.saqa.org.za  and social media platforms.   Direct inquiries to and communication to the QCTO Chief Executive Officer: Mr Vijayan Naidoo, ceo.naidoo@qcto.org.za

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A Farewell to SAQA House: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future SAQA bid a heartfelt farewell to the iconic SAQA House—a space that has been the heart of our operations, our ideas, and our shared purpose. Joining us in this significant moment was our founding CEO, Dr Samuel Isaacs, whose presence added a deeply emotional touch to the day. In his address, Dr Isaacs reflected on SAQA’s transformative journey, from its inception to becoming a cornerstone of South Africa’s education and training landscape. With wisdom and humility, he reminded us of the values that have shaped us, grounded in his famous words: "We build the road we are walking upon." Our current CEO, Mrs Nadia Starr, expressed profound gratitude to Dr Isaacs, recognising his role in laying the foundation for an enduring legacy. She assured all present that, while we bid farewell to the walls that held our memories, our mission and vision move forward, stronger than ever. This bittersweet farewell was not just about leaving a building—it was about celebrating resilience, growth, and the promise of what lies ahead. As we take this bold step into new surroundings, we carry with us the lessons of the past and a renewed commitment to advancing the National Qualifications Framework for all South Africans. Here’s to SAQA’s next chapter—built on legacy, fuelled by purpose. #SAQAForward #BuildingTheFuture

🌍📚 SAQA Shines on the International Stage! 🌟 At the recent College Alliance International Conference in the UK, SAQA's staff, Mr. Gumbochuma and Mr. Nel captivated an international audience with insights on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and its role in addressing key challenges in education, skills, and economic growth. 💡 Key Takeaways from SAQA's Presentation: 1️⃣ Employer-Driven Qualification Development: Showcased how the NQF aligns educational outcomes with industry demands, ensuring learners graduate with the skills employers need. 2️⃣ Innovative Funding Models: Highlighted the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD) and the Skills Development Levy, which provide strategic solutions for sustaining education and training systems. 3️⃣ Bridging the Skills Gap: Explored how micro-credentials are empowering unemployed individuals by equipping them with in-demand skills, facilitating smoother transitions into the workforce. ✨ The global audience was especially impressed by South Africa's approach to identifying industry skills gaps and ensuring data-driven solutions through the NLRD. Discussions also sparked interest in micro-credentials as a pathway to economic participation. This conference underscored the universal need for efficient, impactful education systems while shining a spotlight on SAQA's innovative strategies. 🌟 📢 Join the conversation: How can we make education systems more responsive to industry needs while overcoming fiscal pressures? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #SAQA #NQF #EducationInnovation #SkillsForGrowth #InternationalConference #GreenTransition #MicroCredentials #LifelongLearning INNOCENT GUMBOCHUMA (ACCA, CPA ontario , CGA), Japie Nel, Makhapa Makhafola Nadia Starr

#WorldAIDSDay #DHET Nadia Starr

HIGHER EDUCATION CHAIRPERSON CONGRATULATES SAQA CFO FOR WINNING THE 2024 PUBLIC SECTOR CFO AWARD We are immensely proud to announce that our Chief Financial Officer, Mr Innocent Gumbochuma, has been honoured with the 2024 Public Sector CFO Award at South Africa's prestigious "Oscars of Finance." 🎉🏆 This award recognises his outstanding leadership, innovation, and strategic contributions to both SAQA and the broader financial community. His achievement reflects the excellence we strive for across the Post-School Education and Training sector. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie, commended Mr Gumbochuma as an exemplary leader, saying, "This is an example of what we want replicated everywhere in the sector. Mr Innocent Gumbochuma is a good example of what we want to see from public sector CFOs and indeed from the Post-School Education and Training sector." Let’s celebrate this remarkable accomplishment that sets a benchmark for public sector finance professionals. Well done, Mr Gumbochuma – an inspiration to us all! 👏✨ #Leadership #FinanceExcellence #SAQA #CFOAward2024 #DHET Nadia Starr #Parliamentsouthafrica

Honouring Excellence in Education and Social Justice Yesterday afternoon, the Deputy Ministers of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela and Dr Mimmy Gondwe, delivered powerful speeches at the 1st Peliwe Lolwana Memorial Lecture, held at Wits University. This prestigious lecture was hosted in honour of the late Professor Peliwe Lolwana, a trailblazing thought leader in education, former Chairperson of the SAQA Board, and an Associate Professor at the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The keynote address by Professor Stephanie Matseleng Allais celebrated Professor Lolwana’s unwavering dedication to social justice and her transformative contributions to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Professor Lolwana’s legacy as an unparalleled reader, thinker, and educator continues to inspire. As the founding director of REAL and a visionary leader, she left an indelible mark on education, shaping the discourse on labour, policy, and lifelong learning. The speakers highlighted that the late Prof Lolwana consistently emphasised that true social justice can only be realised when the NQF extends its reach to villages and the wider public. The speeches underscored this vision, focusing on advancing social justice by ensuring the NQF is accessible to all, particularly in rural communities. Let us honour the late Prof Lolwana's legacy by advancing the ideals she championed—innovation, equity, and justice in education. ✨ #PeliweLolwanaLecture #SocialJustice #NQF #SAQA #EducationLeadership #REALWits Nadia Starr Makhapa Makhafola Stephanie Allais #DHET #QCTO Vijayen Naidoo Dr Mafu S Rakometsi Buti Manamela Mimmy Gondwe

#EnhancingSocialJusticeThroughtheNQF Venue: Leseding Lecture Theatre, Wits Education Campus

Deputy Ministers for Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela and Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, will join several prominent experts in the higher education and training sector to honor one of South Africa’s educational pioneers during the inaugural memorial lecture for the late Professor Peliwe Lolwana on Monday. To honor the exceptional contributions of Professor Peliwe Lolwana, a passionate advocate for quality education who passed away at the end of 2023, two prominent organisations she was closely associated with—the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL) at the University of the Witwatersrand—are co-hosting the inaugural memorial lecture. At the time of her passing, Professor Lolwana served as the chairperson of SAQA and played a pivotal role in transforming numerous institutions such as the previous Education and Policy Unit into the REAL Centre. She was also involved in transforming the South African Certification Council into the Quality Assurance Council, Umalusi. Additionally, she led the transformation of the Central Organisation for Trades Testing (COTT) into the Institute for the Development of Learnerships and Assessments (INDLELA). The memorial lecture will be opened by SAQA CEO Nadia Starr whilst the first memorial lecture will be delivered by Professor Stephanie Allais from Wits REAL who will talk about the role of qualifications and qualifications frameworks in the context of extreme inequality.