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National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008)

Notices

Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework Policy

1. Introduction

 

1.1 The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a comprehensive system for the "classification, registration, publication and articulation of quality-assured national qualifications", as stipulated in Section 4 of the NQF Act.

 

1.2 In terms of section 7 of the NQF Act, the NQF comprises of three co-ordinated qualifications Sub-Frameworks for:
1.2.1 General and Further Education and Training, as contemplated in the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act, Act 58 of 2001 administered by Umalusi.
1.2.2 Higher Education, contemplated in the Higher Education Act, Act 101 of 1997 administered by the Council on Higher Education (CHE); and
1.2.3 Trades and Occupations, contemplated in the Skills Development Act (SDA), Act 97 of 1998, administered by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

 

1.3 T he objectives of the NQF, as outlined in Section 5 of the NQF Act, are to:
1.3.1 Create a single integrated national framework for learning achievements;
1.3.2 Facilitate access to, mobility and progression within, education, training and career paths;
1.3.3 Enhance the quality of education and training; and
1.3.4 Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

 

1.4 The objectives of the NQF are designed to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large. SAQA and the Quality Councils (QCs) must seek to achieve the objectives of the NQF by:
1.4.1 Developing, fostering and maintaining an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements;
1.4.2 Ensuring that South African qualifications meet appropriate criteria determined by the Minister as contemplated in Section 8 of the NQF Act and that they are internationally comparable; and
1.4.3 Ensuring that South African qualifications are of an acceptable quality.

 

1.5 It is against this background that the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, in terms of Section 8(2)(e) of the NQF Act, has determined as policy the three sub-frameworks that comprise the NQF.