Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has announced new transitional arrangements aimed at modernising South Africa's qualifications system while ensuring minimal disruption for learners, training providers and employers.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Manamela said the implementation of the Directive on Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications forms part of government's efforts to strengthen and future-proof the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
New Qualifications Framework To Improve Skills Development
The directive, published on 3 June 2024 under the National Qualifications Framework Act, seeks to support a smooth transition from older qualifications to a modern occupational qualifications system.
According to the Minister, the changes are designed to improve the quality, relevance and credibility of qualifications within South Africa's Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
The reforms also aim to strengthen alignment between education, skills training and labour market needs while improving accountability among Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), quality councils and other implementing bodies.
“The Directive established the policy framework for transitioning South Africa from pre-2009 qualifications towards a modern occupational qualifications system that better reflects workplace requirements, technological advancement and the evolving needs of our economy," Manamela said.
He explained that the new system places a stronger focus on workplace-based learning and practical skills development, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and employment.
Nearly 1 000 Occupational Qualifications Registered
The Minister revealed that significant progress has already been made since the directive was introduced.
To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
Of the 1 475 pre-2009 qualifications that reached their registration end date, 630 received learner enrolment extensions following consultation with stakeholders.
“The remainder were deregistered owing to the absence of learner enrolment or their replacement by occupational qualifications. All affected qualifications allowed currently enrolled learners sufficient opportunity to complete their studies,” Manamela said.
Three Categories For Qualification Extensions
Government has adopted a differentiated approach to managing the transition process, grouping qualifications into different categories based on readiness and impact.
Category A: Occupational Qualifications
Category A includes occupational qualifications that are already registered on the NQF. Since these are not legacy qualifications, they do not require additional enrolment extensions or gazetting.
“They will continue to be managed through the existing administrative processes of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and learners and accredited Skills Development Providers may continue with approved enrolments and delivery,” the Minister said.
Category B: Legacy And NATED Qualifications
Category B includes pre-2009 qualifications and National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes.
These qualifications may receive targeted enrolment extensions ranging from six months to 24 months, depending on factors such as learner impact, sector readiness, labour market demand and the availability of replacement qualifications.
Manamela stressed that extensions will not be granted automatically and each qualification has been assessed individually.
“The qualifications approved for extension will be included in the Government Gazette to be published on Monday, 15 June 2026, and the complete list of affected qualifications and their replacement occupational qualifications will also be published on the SAQA website, ensuring public accessibility and transparency,” the Minister said.
Category C: Regulatory Unit Standards And Trades
Category C covers regulatory unit standards that support statutory and industry-specific programmes.
These qualifications have been granted extensions of up to three years to provide industries and regulators sufficient time to transition to new occupational skills programmes.
The Minister said this approach will help avoid disruption in key sectors while maintaining public safety and economic stability.
For trade qualifications, the transition period will depend on whether replacement occupational qualifications have already been developed.
“Where occupational qualifications have already been developed and implemented, no further extension is required. However, for trades where replacement occupational qualifications have not yet been fully developed or implemented, targeted transitional arrangements of approximately one year may be considered to ensure continuity, while development processes are finalised,” the Minister explained.
SAQA To Publish Full List Of Affected Qualifications
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) will publish detailed information on affected qualifications, including:
- Qualifications that have received extensions.
- The duration of each extension.
- Applicable teach-out arrangements.
- Replacement occupational qualifications.
This information will provide transparency and assist learners, training providers and employers during the transition process.
Technical Task Team Established To Oversee Implementation
To support the rollout of the new qualifications framework, government has established a Technical Task Team responsible for monitoring progress and addressing implementation challenges.
The task team will oversee key areas including:
- Communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Legal and regulatory matters.
- SETA coordination.
- Data management.
- Assessment and certification.
- Quality assurance.
- TVET college implementation.
- Funding and resource allocation.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
“It will bring together dedicated workstreams responsible for communications and advocacy; legal and regulatory matters; SETA coordination; data management; assessment to certification; quality assurance; TVET rollout of new qualifications; funding norms and standards, and monitoring and evaluation.
“This integrated governance structure will strengthen accountability, improve coordination across institutions and ensure that implementation challenges are addressed proactively,” Manamela said.
Additional reporting by SANews.gov.za
