By Charmaine Ndlela
The National School of Government (NSG) launched two new occupational qualifications targeting administrative and management skills across all three spheres of government to help strengthen public service capabilities.
The NSG has introduced a 12-month Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator. This is a R32,100 qualification aimed at strengthening the administrative skills and capacity of public servants across government.
The NQF Level 5 qualification, which carries 120 credits, is designed to equip public servants with practical skills in public administration, communication, human resource administration, programme and project management, ethics, financial and supply chain administration and the use of technology.
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Applications are open from 15 September until 31 October 2026, with classes scheduled to begin in February 2027.
The programme requires applicants to hold an NQF Level 4 qualification and be employed as public servants. It will be delivered through a blended or hybrid learning model, including block-release sessions.
The NSG said the qualification forms part of efforts to professionalise the Public Service by developing officials with the knowledge, practical skills and workplace competencies needed to perform their responsibilities effectively.
NSG Acting Principal Phindile Mkwanazi said the new qualifications would strengthen capabilities at both administrative and management levels.
“We are excited about this development and the offerings at the NSG. The qualifications contribute to professionalising the public service by strengthening the capabilities required at both administrative and management levels. They also provide a clear developmental pathway for public servants,” Mkwanazi said in a statement.
According to the NSG, the Public Service Administrator qualification focuses on developing officials who can provide effective administrative support aligned with government policies and service-delivery objectives.
The qualification combines theoretical knowledge with practical and workplace experience, with exit-level outcomes covering key areas of public service administration.
Learners will be expected to prepare communication and record-keeping documents, demonstrate an informed understanding of the rules and principles governing public service practices, and apply personnel management principles at unit level. They will also be required to report on financial and procurement-related activities in line with organisational requirements and professional ethical codes of conduct.
The programme is intended to strengthen administrative capacity, coordination and communication within government departments, while supporting officials to contribute more effectively to service delivery.
The NSG has also introduced the Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service, an NQF Level 6 qualification aimed at developing junior and middle-management capacity within government.
The General Manager qualification carries 150 credits and is also designed to be completed over 12 months through a blended learning model with block-release sessions.
Applicants for the management qualification must hold an NQF Level 5 qualification.
The programme is aimed at supervisors and administrative officials preparing to move into junior and middle-management positions. It focuses on managerial, leadership, strategic and analytical competencies required to improve administrative efficiency and support the implementation of government policies.
The qualification also covers operational management, coordination and service delivery, with officials developing the capacity to manage functions including finance, human resources, information, communication and technology at unit level.
Both qualifications are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), with the Public Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) serving as the quality partner.
The NSG said the two qualifications provide structured pathways for serving public servants to build their careers while strengthening the skills base required across all three spheres of government.
