To understand the role of quality councils in South Africa, we first need to discuss the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). SAQA plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation and continuous development of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Think of the NQF as a comprehensive system that organises and recognises different qualifications across South Africa. SAQA’s responsibility is to oversee the implementation of the NQF, meaning they make sure that it functions properly and achieves its intended goals.
SAQA has the important task of advancing the objectives of the NQF. These objectives typically include promoting access to quality education and training, facilitating lifelong learning, and ensuring that qualifications are relevant to the needs of individuals and the economy. SAQA works towards these objectives by developing policies, standards, and guidelines that guide the implementation of the NQF.
Within the NQF, there are three coordinated qualifications sub-frameworks. These sub-frameworks are essentially smaller systems within the overarching NQF that focus on specific areas of education and training. They are designed to bring coherence and consistency to the qualifications offered across different sectors and levels of education.
What’s interesting is that the development and management of these sub-frameworks are entrusted to the three Quality Councils (QCs) operating in South Africa. Each QC has its own specialised focus and responsibilities.
What Quality Councils are there in South Africa?
The first Quality Council is UMALUSI, which primarily concentrates on ensuring the quality of general education and further training in South Africa. This means they evaluate and monitor schools, colleges, and other education providers to ensure that their education and training meet high standards. UMALUSI’s aim is to ensure that learners receive a quality education that prepares them for further studies or the job market.
The second Quality Council is the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). QCTO’s primary role is to promote and manage qualifications related to specific trades and occupations. They work closely with industry experts, professional bodies, and training providers to develop qualifications that are relevant to the needs of the job market. QCTO’s goal is to ensure that learners acquire the practical skills and knowledge required for their chosen careers.
The third Quality Council is the Council of Higher Education (CHE), which focuses on overseeing the quality of higher education institutions and qualifications. CHE ensures that universities, colleges, and other higher education providers adhere to high standards in terms of curriculum, teaching methods, and infrastructure. They evaluate and monitor these institutions to ensure that they meet the quality benchmarks set by the NQF. The CHE’s aim is to ensure that students pursuing higher education receive a high-quality academic experience.
What do these Quality Councils do?
By coordinating their efforts with SAQA, these three Quality Councils develop and manage the sub-frameworks within the NQF. They work together to ensure that the qualifications offered across different educational sectors are of high quality, relevant to the needs of learners and the job market, and aligned with the broader objectives of the NQF.
In summary, they are responsible for:
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- Developing and implementing policies for quality assurance to ensure the integrity and credibility of quality assurance processes.
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- Collaborating with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) and other Quality Councils to foster effective coordination and cooperation in the education and training sector.
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- Developing and managing its specific sub-framework within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
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- Providing advice to the relevant Minister on matters pertaining to its sub-framework, offering expertise and recommendations.
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- Ensuring that the level descriptors for its sub-frameworks remain current and appropriate, reflecting the evolving needs of the sector.
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- Developing and implementing policies and criteria for the development, registration, and publication of qualifications within its sub-framework.
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- Developing and implementing policies and criteria for the assessment, recognition of prior learning, and credit accumulation and transfer processes.
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- Facilitating the development of necessary qualifications or part qualifications for the sector, including appropriate measures for assessing learning achievement, and recommending these qualifications or part qualifications for registration to SAQA.
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- Establishing policies for quality assurance, maintaining the integrity and credibility of quality assurance processes within its sub-framework.
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- Maintaining a database of learner achievements and related information, and submitting this data to SAQA in a format determined through consultation for recording on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD).
- Conducting or commissioning research on issues of significance to the development and implementation of the sub-framework, and publishing the findings to contribute to the sector’s knowledge base.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Quality Council aims to ensure the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of qualifications within its designated sub-framework, ultimately enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for learners in South Africa.
UMALUSI
UMALUSI, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training has a significant role in the development and management of qualifications within the general and further education and training sector. As mandated by the GENFETQA Amendment Act, UMALUSI serves as the Quality Council specifically responsible for this sector within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
UMALUSI’s primary responsibilities include:
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- Development and Management: UMALUSI is entrusted with the development and management of a sub-framework of qualifications spanning NQF levels 1-4 within the general and further education and training sector. This entails defining the standards and requirements for these qualifications and ensuring their alignment with national educational objectives.
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- Quality Assurance: UMALUSI plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and integrity of qualifications within the general and further education and training sub-framework. The Council sets and monitors standards in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework Act and the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act. This involves assessing and evaluating qualifications and curricula to ensure they meet the expected standards, moderating assessments to ensure fairness and reliability, and accrediting education and training providers as well as assessment bodies.
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- Advising the Minister: UMALUSI provides expert advice to the Minister of Education on matters pertaining to the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Framework. This advice is based on their extensive knowledge and experience in the field and aims to inform policy decisions and enhance the quality of education within the sector.
In order to issue credible certificates to learners, UMALUSI undertakes several important tasks. These include developing and evaluating qualifications and curricula to ensure they meet the required standards, moderating assessments to ensure fairness and reliability, accrediting providers of education and training, conducting research to improve educational quality, and verifying the authenticity of certificates.
Through these efforts, UMALUSI strives to uphold the integrity and value of qualifications within the general and further education and training sector. By setting and monitoring standards, conducting evaluations, and ensuring fair assessment processes, UMALUSI contributes to the overall quality and credibility of education in South Africa.
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) holds significant responsibility for the development, management, and accreditation of occupational qualifications within the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework. As established by the Skills Development Amendment Act, QCTO serves as the designated Quality Council specifically focused on occupations.
QCTO’s mission revolves around effectively and efficiently managing the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). This involves setting standards, developing, and quality-assuring national occupational qualifications for individuals seeking trades, occupations, and, where applicable, professions.
The primary purpose of the OQSF is to facilitate the development and registration of high-quality, recognised occupational qualifications, part-qualifications, and skills programs across National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1 to 8. The OQSF aligns with the Ministerial determination of the Sub-Frameworks constituting the NQF, as outlined in Government Notice 1391 published in Gazette No. 44031 of 24 December 2020. By doing so, the OQSF caters to the needs of both existing and emerging sectors by equipping learners, professionals, workers, the unemployed, and individuals classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) with relevant and transferable competencies that support lifelong employability.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, QCTO engages in several key activities. These include accrediting skills development providers, accrediting assessment centres, conducting assessments, and certifying individuals within the occupational sector. Through these efforts, QCTO ensures that occupational qualifications meet the required standards of quality, thereby validating the skills and competencies of individuals in their respective trades and occupations.
Overall, the QCTO plays a crucial role in managing the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework, fostering the development of recognised occupational qualifications and maintaining quality assurance processes. By setting standards and facilitating the registration of relevant qualifications, the QCTO contributes to enhancing employability and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for individuals pursuing trades, occupations, and professions in South Africa.
Council on Higher Education (CHE)
The Council on Higher Education (CHE) holds a pivotal role as the quality assurance council for higher education in South Africa. Established by the Higher Education Amendment Act, the CHE is designated as the Quality Council specifically responsible for overseeing higher education.
According to the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Higher Education Amendment Act (No. 39 of 2008), the CHE is entrusted with the task of ensuring quality assurance in higher education and implementing the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF). The HEQF assigns the CHE the responsibility of developing standards for all higher education qualifications.
The vision of the CHE is to be a dynamic organisation that contributes to a transformed, equitable, and high-quality higher education and training system in South Africa. As an independent statutory quality council for South African higher education, its mission encompasses several key objectives. These include leading and managing quality assurance processes, researching and monitoring trends and developments in higher education, initiating critical discourse on contemporary higher education issues, and providing advice to the Minister on strategy and policy matters.
The main areas of work for the CHE are as follows:
- Providing advice to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, both proactively and upon request, on various higher education matters.
- Promoting a system of quality assurance for all higher education institutions, including private providers. This system focuses on the accreditation of programs, conducting institutional audits, national reviews, developing standards, promoting quality, and capacity development.
- Monitoring the state of higher education and regularly publishing information regarding developments in the field.
- Contributing to the development of higher education through intellectual engagement with key issues. The CHE actively collaborates with relevant stakeholders in various activities and partnerships.
Through these efforts, the CHE plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of higher education in South Africa. By providing guidance, conducting assessments, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the CHE strives to enhance the overall standards and reputation of higher education institutions, ultimately benefiting students and the broader society.
Conclusion
Collectively, these Quality Councils are committed to fostering a transformed, equitable, and high-quality education and training system in South Africa. By collaborating with stakeholders, setting standards, conducting assessments, and promoting continuous improvement, they strive to provide learners, professionals, and workers with credible qualifications and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As South Africa continues to prioritise education and invest in its human capital, the efforts of these Quality Councils play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape and ensuring that qualifications meet the needs of a dynamic society. By upholding the integrity and relevance of qualifications, the Quality Councils contribute to building a skilled and capable workforce, ultimately driving the nation’s progress and prosperity.
For a list of providers accredited to offer qualifications, part-qualifications, and skills programs, we recommend reaching out directly to the relevant Quality Council.
