Governments strategy and priorities for the NQF as required in terms of the NQF Act of 2008 were set out recently by the minister. The guidelines are intended to assist in establishing a way forward for SAQA and the three Quality Councils.
In principle the guidelines are intended to assist in "strengthening the nation?s education and human resource base' which is seen to be one of the top priorities of government as set out in the Presidents state of the nation address in 2009 as well as the governments new growth path.
The need for "constructing a high quality responsive South African education, training and skills development system that serves our democracy and social and economic development' was identified in 1995. The new NQF Act of 2008 embraces and embodies this objective and re-models the NQF with a view to achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness of the national qualifications system,
The priorities for the period to March 2012 are as outlines
The need to establish the three sub frameworks on SAQA?s advice and in accordance with the NQF Act of 2008. This requires the three Quality Councils to finalise the development of it?s sub framework in coordination with the other QC?s. The movement between FET , HET and Occupational Qualifications is seen to be essential and vital to the success of the programme. Each QC must therefore identify how they will cooperate and ensure a smooth transition from one level to the other. SAQA have been tasked with leading this process
The second priority is the review of the NQF policy and legislation. This has been determined as a result of the re-organisation of the various education departments and the functions of the various ministers involved. Performance agreements have altered the conditions under which the objects of the NQF are interpreted and implemented. The review of the NQF will be undertaken by the steering committee of the NQF together with the department of higher education.
The implementation of the NQF framework is seen to be an urgent requirement of the NQF Act as this framework forms the basis on which SAQA fulfils its responsiilities to oversee the implementation of the NQF.
Currently all the various bodies are busy in adjusting organisational structures, personnel and budgets in order to comply with the demands of the new legislation.
The QCTO is busy creating it?s structures and recruiting staff. In addition the QCTO must ensure their financial viability and become a fully self-managing QC.
Of great importance and a priority for immediate action is the need for all QC?s to set out how they intend managing their standard setting and qualify assurance processes in terms of - STANDARDS SETTING - QUALITY ASSURANCE - PROGRESSION AND INFORMATION.
STANDARDS SETTING ARRANGEMENTS
Agreement between SAQA and the QC?s on a full set of level descriptors is called for immediately. Policy and criteria for qualifications and part qualifications should be developed, approved and implemented. What is of importance is the need for the QC?s to establish "a suit of national qualifications and part qualifications' as soon as possible in order to "serve the nations education and skills priorities'.
QUALITY ASSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The QC?s must develop and implement policy and criteria for QA within their respective sub frameworks if they do not already exist.
PROGRESSION ARRANGEMENTS
Mechanisms for ensuring that competent learners and workers are able to progress within the learning system and along chosen career paths are seen to be particularly important. Policy and criteria for assessment, RPL and credit accumulation and transfer have strategic importance and must be given priority.
INFORMATION ARRANGEMENTS
Attention is to be given to the quality assurance of information processes and in particular to the security and verification of source data on learner records. Timely and accurate information is to be made available to the public and other stakeholders especially on transitional arrangements
MONITORING
SAQA has been entrusted to monitor and oversee progress of work associated with these priorities and to give timely advice to the NQF forum and the CEO Committee on issues that impact and impede progress and implementation.
