By Thapelo Molefe
The Department of Higher Education and Training has granted a final extension for the enrolment and completion of selected pre-2009 qualifications, trades, and regulatory unit standards as South Africa moves to complete the transition to a modern occupational qualifications system.Â
The directive, signed by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela and published in the Government Gazette on 17 June, provides targeted extensions ranging from six months to three years for qualifications and programmes deemed critical to national skills development priorities.
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The move forms part of government’s broader overhaul of the post-school education and training sector aimed at replacing legacy qualifications with occupational qualifications that place greater emphasis on practical workplace experience.
“Government acknowledges the importance of a managed and credible transition that protects learners already enrolled within the system while simultaneously accelerating the implementation of quality occupational qualifications,” the directive states.
The latest extension follows extensive consultations between the Department of Higher Education and Training, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and industry stakeholders.
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Speaking during a media briefing last week, Manamela described the transition as one of the most significant reforms in South Africa’s post-school education and training landscape.
“As government advances the transition towards a modernised occupational qualifications system, our foremost priority is to protect the value of qualifications, uphold public confidence in the skills development system, and ensure that every learner is afforded a fair and meaningful pathway to success and employability,” he said.
To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Of the 1,475 pre-2009 qualifications that had reached their registration end date, 630 were approved for learner enrolment extensions, while the remainder were deregistered because they had no learner enrolments or had already been replaced by occupational qualifications.
Under the new directive, identified pre-2009 qualifications will receive enrolment and achievement extensions of between six and 24 months. Regulatory unit standards will receive extensions of up to 36 months, while trades that have not yet been registered as occupational qualifications will receive extensions of up to 12 months.
No further enrolment extensions have been granted for NATED programmes, as separate phase-out and teach-out arrangements have already been implemented by the department.
“Students currently enrolled in N4 to N6 programmes should therefore continue with their studies as planned and should not be concerned that their qualifications will lose recognition,” Manamela said during the briefing.
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The directive makes clear that these are the final transitional arrangements before the full implementation of occupational qualifications and skills programmes.
SETAs will remain responsible for developing and implementing replacement occupational qualifications and must submit quarterly reports to the minister through SAQA detailing progress on qualification development, learner enrolments and occupational qualification uptake.
The QCTO will oversee accreditation, curriculum implementation, assessment readiness and quality assurance, while SAQA has been delegated authority to manage the final transition process and any adjustments to enrolment and achievement deadlines.
Government said all qualifications already awarded remain valid and recognised on the National Learners’ Records Database.
“However, these qualifications have favoured the classroom over the workshop. What we are introducing are qualifications that guarantee practical experience and workplace placement,” Manamela said.
The department said the transition is intended to create a qualifications system that is more responsive to labour market demands, supports economic growth and equips South Africans with skills needed in a rapidly changing economy.
It also urged learners, training providers and employers to use the final transition period to prepare for the complete shift from legacy qualifications to occupational qualifications and skills programmes.
