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SA Qualifications Authority

Saqa’s fourth authority represents diversity of civil society

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:57

Saqa’s Fourth Authority appointed by the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor is a significant milestone in that it represents a strong representation of the key role players in education and training with a majority representation from civil society.

Saqa’s Fourth Authority is mandated for the next three years to oversee the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Professor Shirley Walters of the University of the Western Cape has been re-appointed chairperson of the authority with the Minister also appointing Dr AW Paterson and Dr P Lolwana (Umalusi) as discretionary appointments, while SAQA Executive Officer Mr. Samuel Isaacs is an ex officio member.

The majority of members of the Authority are appointed by the Minister from nominees of stakeholders in the fields of education and training with a small minority appointed at the Minister’s discretion.

At the official handover to the Fourth Authority, Deputy Minister of Education, Enver Surty pointed out the valuable continuity between the Fourth Authority and its predecessor, with the reappointment of the Chairperson, Prof Shirley Walters ensuring that the institutional memory is safeguarded.

“At the same time we have a refreshing infusion of new members with a rich store of experience and insight. As to the challenges ahead, we have a new NQF Act this year and a new Government next year and in essence the Fourth Authority will act as a bridge over troubled waters ensuring that Saqa and the NQF pass safely from our exciting past to a no less exciting future,” he said.

“We are intensely relieved that the Government’s review of the NQF implementation has ended, that we have a new policy, and that draft legislation has been gazetted to bring in the new dispensation. The timing of the fourth authority could not be better".

"You are invited to engage thoroughly and professionally with the draft NQF bill gazetted for public comment, with the bills providing consequential amendments to the Higher Education Act and the GENFETQA Act, and with the forthcoming Bill to amend the Skills Development Act".

“Saqa will keep to the fore of the urgent national priorities for improving the quality of education and training across the board, enhancing mobility for learners and workers in education and career paths, and narrowing the nation’s urgent skills gaps".

"Saqa and the Quality Councils have unique responsibilities in our nation’s reconstruction and development, now and in the future. The Ministry of Education commends those responsibilities to the capable hands of the Fourth Authority,” concluded Surty.

Samuel Isaacs, Executive Officer, adds that “Saqa has the expertise and leadership to oversee the further development and implementation of the NQF in this next exciting phase.”

The Saqa Fourth Authority members are:

SURNAME - INITITALS - TITLE - CONSTITUENCY

Ankiewicz - P.J. - Prof - Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwyserunie

Arnesen - J - Mr - Organised Business

Baatjes - I. - Mr - Adult Basic Education

Brown - M. - Mr - Appointed co-opted member

Cele - M - Mr - South African Democratic Teachers Union

De Klerk - E.W. - Mr - Organised Labour

Du Pré - R.H. - Prof - Higher Education South Africa

Isaacs - S.B.A. - Mr - SAQA: Executive Officer

Lolwana - P. - Dr - Minister’s Discretionary appointment

Mabena - A.V.R. - Mr - Organised Business

Maboye - M.M. - Ms - Organised Labour

Magnus - G. - Ms - National bodies representing lecturers and trainers

Makhubu - R.L. - Ms - National bodies representing lecturers and trainers

Mncube - B.P. - Ms - National Skills Authority

Nkosi - D.L. - Mr - Further Education and Training Colleges: Represented by the South African College Principals Organisation

Ogude - N.A. - Prof - South African Universities Vice Chancellors' Association

Paterson - A.W. - Dr - Minister’s Discretionary appointment

Qhobela - M - Dr - Department of Education

Rajab - R. - Ms - Colleges other than teachers’ and FET colleges

Ramgoolam - A. - Mr - National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa

Reddy - G. - Ms - Early Childhood Development

Thobejane - E. - Ms - Department of Labour

Toni - M. - Mr - Special Education Needs Sector

Walters - S. - Prof - CHAIRPERSON

Williams - E.A.B. - Mr - Heads of Education Committee