By Johnathan Paoli

The Department of Higher Education and Training has confirmed that the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) Report 190/191 N3 examination results will be standardised for the final time, marking a decisive step in the phasing out of South Africa’s long-standing NATED qualification framework.

The move represents a major turning point in the country’s technical and vocational education system, bringing closure to the lower levels of a programme that has shaped skills training for decades.

The final standardisation follows the formal phase-out of N1–N3 programmes, which came into effect in January 2024 in terms of Government Gazette 49518.

As part of this process, the October/November 2025 examination sitting was the last opportunity for candidates to write N3 examinations under the NATED system.

Quality assessment institution, Umalusi, will issue certificates for these final results, after which no new N3 examinations will be offered.

Beyond 2025, the department has indicated that administrative services related to N3 will be limited to the re-issue or replacement of existing certificates.

This effectively brings the lower NATED levels to a permanent close, ending new enrolments and assessments while preserving the integrity of qualifications already obtained.

Both the department and Umalusi have emphasised that all NATED certificates already issued remain valid, and that learners who have completed N1–N3 qualifications will not be disadvantaged by the withdrawal of the programme.

Employers, training institutions, and other stakeholders are expected to continue recognising these qualifications as legitimate legacy credentials within the national education system.

The phase-out of N1–N3 represents the conclusion of a technical education model that has historically provided structured theoretical instruction in engineering, business, and service-related fields.

These programmes formed the foundation of vocational training at public and private TVET colleges and served as entry points into higher NATED levels and diploma pathways.

However, the department argued that the NATED framework, particularly at the lower levels, has become increasingly misaligned with the needs of a modern and rapidly changing labour market.

The department pointed to limited workplace exposure, outdated curricula in some fields, and uneven assessment practices as key reasons for restructuring the system.

The closure of N1–N3 forms part of a broader reform agenda that will ultimately see all NATED programmes from N4 to N6 phased out and replaced by Occupational Qualifications overseen by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.

While N4–N6 programmes remain operational for now, the department confirmed that the system is in its final years and that no long-term continuation is planned.

New enrolments into NATED programmes will still be permitted for a limited period, but colleges are expected to stop accepting new registrations around mid-2026.

Some institutions may close enrolments earlier depending on capacity, staffing, and readiness to transition to the new system.

Students who are already enrolled in N4–N6 programmes will be allowed to complete their studies, provided they do so within the prescribed transition timeframe.

Under the department’s transition plan, the National N Diploma pathway will close permanently in June 2029.

By that deadline, students must have completed all required theoretical subjects across N4, N5, and N6, accumulated the necessary 18 months of workplace experience, and submitted all documentation for the award of the diploma.

Learners who fail to meet these requirements before the deadline risk exiting the system without a completed qualification.

The department warned that partial NATED studies will not be transferable into the new Occupational Qualifications framework, as the two systems are structurally different and do not merge.

This has placed increased pressure on current NATED students to plan their studies carefully and avoid delays that could jeopardise completion.

Occupational Qualifications are being introduced as the primary replacement for NATED programmes and are designed around competency-based training rather than theory-heavy instruction.

These qualifications include compulsory work-integrated learning and are developed with direct input from industry to ensure relevance to current labour market needs.

Occupational Certificates are aligned to the National Qualifications Framework and linked more clearly to apprenticeships, artisan development, and employment pathways.

For prospective students planning to study from 2025 onwards, the transition presents a choice between committing to the remaining NATED pathway within its closing window or enrolling directly into Occupational Qualifications that will remain in place long term.

Standardisation is a quality assurance process that uses statistical and analytical methods to ensure that examination results fairly reflect learners’ knowledge, abilities, and aptitude, by minimising the influence of external factors that could distort performance outcomes.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Limpopo Impala Cricket (LIC) ushered in a new generation of provincial cricketing talent as dozens of the province’s most promising young players were honoured during a spirited capping ceremony ahead of Cricket South Africa’s annual national
youth weeks.

Held at LIC’s headquarters in Polokwane, the ceremony celebrated boys and girls selected to represent Limpopo in the U/13, U/17, and U/19 divisions at major tournaments scheduled across the country in December.

For many of the athletes, the occasion marked the culmination of years of dedication, weekend training sessions, cross-province trials, and an unwavering commitment to the game.

The squads were drawn from hundreds of aspiring cricketers across Limpopo’s schools and clubs, making selection itself a monumental achievement, according to LIC president Sakie Mabala Kwakwa.

Addressing the packed venue filled with players, parents, coaches, and administrators, Mabala praised the youngsters for setting the benchmark in provincial youth cricket.

“You were the chosen ones out of hundreds. Your hard work has brought you here, and we believe you’ll make us proud. Good luck. Carry our dreams and the pride of Limpopo onto the national stage,” Mabala said.

For LIC, the national weeks are more than just tournaments, but a platform for young cricketers to measure themselves against the country’s best, broaden their cricketing horizons, and potentially catch the eye of talent scouts.

The ceremony reflected that sense of importance, with players stepping up one by one to receive their provincial caps, symbolising their elevation to the Limpopo elite.

Among the U/16 girls’ players, Hoërskool Nylstroom’s Mpule Sebele said she felt driven to help the team reach new heights.

“I look forward to achieving something the U/16s haven’t achieved in a while. We want to surprise teams, showcase our talent, and show Limpopo we can do this,” Sebele said.

Her teammate from Mahwahwa High School, Pontsho Mopai, echoed that sentiment with infectious optimism.

“I look forward to winning all the games. Even if we don’t win, we must show off our talent and show Limpopo we’re the best. We should support one another, and we will represent the province well,” Mopai said.

For rising bowler Alicia Masela, also from Mahwahwa High School, the goals are both personal and collective.

“Individually, I want to take three wickets per match. As a team, we have to prove we were not mistakenly chosen and represent Limpopo well. We’re ready,” she said.

At the U/19 level, the stakes feel higher as players edge closer to potential senior provincial selection.

Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer all-rounder Mahlako Mamabolo said stepping onto the national stage is something she has dreamed of for years.
“I’m looking forward to representing LIC and making my province proud by working hard with my teammates. If we give everything, we can make our tournament a success,” Mamabolo said.

Mahwahwa High School’s Shelfa Mukhari said her ambitions extend far beyond the December fixtures.

“We want Limpopo to be proud of us and to improve our careers. We look forward to playing for the Proteas one day. This is another step toward that goal,” she said.

The U/13 boys, the youngest group heading to nationals, could hardly contain their excitement.

Many will be experiencing a major provincial tournament for the first time.

For Unicorn Preparatory School’s Tanish Patel, the call-up feels like the beginning of a lifelong cricket journey.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge and playing at a high level of cricket. It’s a dream come true,” Patel said.

His teammate Ejnar Joubert, also from Unicorn, shared similar enthusiasm.

“I want to play at the highest level and make my team, my family, and the whole province proud,” he said.

Laerskool Julian Muller’s Mpho Matsetela said he is motivated by the chance to test himself against unfamiliar opposition.
“I’m looking forward to facing a new, tough challenge. I cannot wait for the experience,” he said.

While the focus of the morning remained firmly on the players, the event also offered a moment for LIC to reflect on its broader mission of nurturing cricketing excellence across Limpopo.

Founded in 2006, Limpopo Impala Cricket has long served as the beating heart of cricket in South Africa’s northernmost province. From its Polokwane headquarters, LIC has grown into a central hub of development, inclusivity, and opportunity for aspiring young players from rural villages, mining towns, and urban schools alike.

Its vision, as articulated by officials, is to cultivate a cricket culture that goes beyond on-field results — to inspire discipline, character, diversity, and unity among young athletes.

The organisation’s history is one of resilience: from securing first-class status in the 2006/07 season to making a triumphant return to top-tier competition in 2022/23 after a hiatus.

That legacy made the capping ceremony all the more meaningful, as the next generation stepped forward to carry Limpopo’s cricketing hopes into the future.

With the national tournaments now just days away, Limpopo’s squads will spend the coming week in final preparation.

Coaches say the youngsters are peaking at the right time, with balanced squads capable of competing with the traditional cricketing powerhouses.

For the athletes themselves, the months of training are over, the caps have been awarded, and the moment they have dreamed about has arrived.

If the passion, ambition, and confidence they expressed at the ceremony are anything to go by, Limpopo’s future in cricket is bright, and December’s national tournament could be the stage where some of these rising stars take their first steps toward greatness.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Eben Proos

Astro-tourism is a niche form of tourism where visitors explore the night sky through stargazing events, guided tours, educational presentations and digital astronomy experiences. Unlike mass tourism, astro-tourism focuses on learning rather than just sightseeing.

Astro-tourism could also offer a lifeline to places that don’t have major natural resource attractions that draw tourists.

One place that could benefit from astro-tourism is Bloemfontein, situated in the heart of South Africa’s Free State province. It’s never been considered one of South Africa’s popular tourist destinations. That’s because the city lacks a major attraction like the Kruger National Park or Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

But Bloemfontein has unpolluted skies, a planetarium and an observatory. It is also accessible by air and road. It has hotels and guesthouses for tourists to stay in.

I’m a niche tourism researcher who set out to discover if Bloemfontein could turn those assets into an astro-tourism niche. I surveyed 160 people who were already visiting the planetarium and observatory and asked them what they thought of the facilities and services.

My research found that young people aged between 18 and 35, from the Free State and neighbouring Gauteng province just a three-hour drive away, were the most likely to become astro tourists in Bloemfontein.

It also suggested that expanding astro-tourism could boost local jobs. This would happen if entrepreneurs set up small coffee shops, information centres and local craft sales.

Establishing astro-tourism in Bloemfontein could also highlight Indigenous knowledge of astronomy and the cultural heritage of the area.

With strong marketing, and involving local communities and cultures, my research shows that astro-tourism could generate economic benefits, create jobs, and put Bloemfontein on the map for both domestic and international visitors.

What makes Bloemfontein an astro-tourism destination

The city already has the Naval Hill Planetarium, the Boyden Observatory and Sterland, an observatory on Onze Rust farm.

The Naval Hill Planetarium is located in the city on Naval Hill (a game reserve). It offers immersive digital experiences to visitors. The Boyden Observatory is an astronomical research station located 26km outside the city. It hosts frequent public events. Sterland (“star land”) offers two telescopes to gaze at the stars.

The other advantage of astro-tourism is that it is available all year round. Planetariums are open in all types of weather.

The people I interviewed said a few factors made Bloemfontein a good astro-tourism destination. The friendliness of the local people and astro-tourism staff counted in the city’s favour. Cleanliness, ease of driving to the area and a lower crime rate were other factors.

These are all key attributes that can either ensure success or failure of any tourism attraction. My research concluded that Bloemfontein has top astro-tourism facilities which can boost the city’s fortunes if utilised correctly. Because travellers are looking for memorable, authentic, and engaging experiences especially to lesser known destinations or tourism “gems”, this could also attract astro-tourists to Bloemfontein.

In South Africa, Sutherland has already benefited from astro-tourism. The coldest place in South Africa, Sutherland used to be a tiny sheep farming town with a population of fewer than 3,000 people. But after one of the world’s largest telescopes was installed there, as the darkest site in the world from which to stargaze, it became an astro-tourist destination. However, it’s further off the beaten track than Bloemfontein.

What needs to happen next

It is of critical importance to change people’s negative perceptions of Bloemfontein. Currently it is viewed as a city where there is nothing exciting to do on holiday.

Indigenous astronomical knowledge must be preserved and brought to the front of astro-tourism. Events and displays should be held to focus on this topic. Experts on Indigenous astronomy could also be approached to deliver addresses at the astro-tourism facilities.

The astro-tourist facilites also need to collaborate so that valuable knowledge is exchanged and the astro-tourism product is improved for all involved.

Local communities, amateur astronomy clubs, universities and museums must be drawn in as ambassadors for astro-tourism in Bloemfontein. These key role players can get involved by attending astro-tourism events. They could also take the lead in marketing astro-tourism on social media.

Apart from this, the city needs a strong, dedicated marketing initiative to highlight the impressive astro-tourism products that are currently available.

Bloemfontein has two universities – this means that astro-tourism could be marketed as an inexpensive outing for students. Holiday programmes and school outings for school pupils could also embed astro-tourism in the culture of the city.

All astro-tourism facilities need to be maintained in great condition. This will affect whether people recommend Bloemfontein as an astro-tourism destination.

New and improved technology is needed to improve the overall astro-tourism experience.

Combining astro-tourism with other niche tourism experiences – like festivals, hiking, or wildlife tours – could attract more people to the area.

If astro-tourism is developed, Bloemfontein could potentially become the must-visit astro-tourism destination in South Africa. The economic impacts range from local job creation to infrastructure improvement. Astro-tourists who travel to Bloemfontein will also need accommodation, food and refreshments. If this money was spent in Bloemfontein, it could boost the city’s fortunes.

Eben Proos, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Event Management, Central University of Technology

THE CONVERSATION