On 3 June , 2024, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) published a pivotal directive in the Government Gazette, outlining the future of legacy qualifications in South Africa. This announcement marks the beginning of a transformative phase for the country’s vocational education and training system, specifically targeting legacy qualifications that have been in place for the past 15 years, with an enrolment end-date set for 30 June 2024.
Background
South Africa’s vocational education and training system faces significant challenges, particularly considering the country’s high unemployment rate, which stood at 32.9% in 2023. Issues of skills mismatch and a low skills equilibrium – a situation where both skills demand and supply are low – have highlighted the urgent need for educational reforms. The transition to occupational qualifications managed by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) aims to align educational outcomes with labour market needs, thereby enhancing the employability of graduates.
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is composed of three sub-frameworks: the General and Further Education and Training Sub-Framework (GFETQSF), the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), and the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). The shift from unit standard-based qualifications, commonly known as “legacy qualifications,” to a more modern framework under the OQSF is a strategic move to address these challenges.
The new directive and its implications
The recent directive introduces a structured process for the deregistration and extension of legacy qualifications, which predate 2009. This initiative is designed to facilitate a smooth transition towards occupational learning programmes registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF).
Deregistration of dormant and redundant qualifications
A total of 1101 legacy qualifications will be deregistered on 30 June 2024. These include qualifications which are either:
- dormant, or
- have been replaced by new occupational qualifications, or
- are not prioritised for realignment.
This move aims to streamline the qualifications framework and eliminate outdated programmes that no longer serve the current educational and economic needs of the country.
Extension of certain qualifications
To ensure continuity and provide adequate time for the development and accreditation of new programmes, 374 legacy qualifications, including 97 N4 – N6 programmes, and the N-Diploma offered by TVET colleges, will be extended for up to two years. These qualifications will have a new enrolment end-date with an extended teach-out period.
Additionally, legacy programmes that support workplace regulations under the Department of Labour will also receive extensions.
Staying informed about the qualifications that are being phased out and those that are extended is critical. This knowledge is vital for workforce planning and development. In addition, it is crucial for employers to become increasingly involved in the development of occupational programme to ensure outcomes align with the needs of business.
This directive represents a significant step towards revitalising South Africa’s vocational education and training system, ensuring that it meets the demands of the modern workforce and supports South Africa’s socio-economic development.
The link to the Government Gazette and the list of qualifications is available on the QCTO’s website at https://www.qcto.org.za/notices-and-circulars.html.
