Government confirms pre-2009 qualifications will remain recognised

South Africans who obtained qualifications before 2009 can rest assured that their credentials remain valid and officially recognised despite ongoing reforms to the country’s qualifications system.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela provided the assurance during a media briefing on developments relating to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), addressing concerns that older qualifications could lose their status under the new system.

According to Manamela, all qualifications that have already been awarded remain recognised and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database.

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“Every qualification that has already been awarded remains valid, recognised and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database,” he said.

His remarks follow the implementation of the Directive on Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, which aims to support South Africa’s transition from legacy qualifications to a modern occupational qualifications framework.

Manamela stressed that the reforms are not intended to devalue qualifications already earned by learners and workers.

“Let me state from the outset that this transition is not about invalidating qualifications that people have worked hard to achieve, nor is it about diminishing the value of learning that has already taken place.

“The legacy qualifications, as they are called, have contributed meaningfully to workforce development and economic participation over many years,” he said.

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He added that the new occupational qualifications are designed to place greater emphasis on practical workplace experience.

“However, these qualifications have favoured the classroom over the workshop. What we are introducing are qualifications that guarantee practical experience and workplace placement. It is about modernising the system to make the Skills Revolution a reality,” said Manamela.

The minister also addressed concerns among students enrolled in National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) Report 190-1 programmes, assuring them that their qualifications will retain their recognition throughout the transition period.

Students currently studying towards N4 to N6 qualifications have been encouraged to continue their studies as planned.

Manamela said the Department of Higher Education and Training is working with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), industry partners and government departments to expand workplace placement opportunities required for students to complete their National N Diplomas.

“The NATED Report 190-1 programmes require a separate approach because of their relevance within the education and training landscape.

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“The department has already issued Circular TC 0134(b), outlining teach-out arrangements, achievement dates and learner support measures. Replacement occupational qualifications have already been developed and are being implemented,” he said.

The minister also provided an update on work-integrated learning opportunities for students who have completed the theoretical component of their studies but still require workplace experience to qualify for their diplomas.

According to Manamela, the department has completed the verification process for students who require between 18 and 24 months of workplace-based experience and is in the final stages of securing funding for student stipends through partnerships with industry and government.

He said the department, supported by SETAs, currently facilitates workplace placements for approximately 21 000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students each year.

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Efforts are also underway to engage employers in both the public and private sectors to increase the availability of work-integrated learning opportunities.

Manamela urged learners, employers, skills development providers and other stakeholders to consult information published by the Department of Higher Education and Training, the South African Qualifications Authority and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations for guidance on the transition process.

“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.