18 December 2024
Dear NADA Member
Critical Updates Regarding the Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications – Government Gazette No. 5681, 13 December 2024
We wish to bring to your attention to critical updates regarding the transitional arrangements for pre-2009 qualifications, as outlined in the recently published Government Gazette No. 5681 dated 13 December 2024 (attached).
Key Highlights:
- Background:
- Pre-2009 qualifications were initially set to conclude on 30 June 2023, with the last date for enrolments scheduled for 30 June 2024 and the final date for learner achievement on 30 June 2027.
- Challenges Identified:
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in consultation with SAQA and QCTO, acknowledged several challenges requiring extensions, including:- Absence of new replacement qualifications.
- Current learnerships registered against pre-2009 qualifications.
- Ongoing realignment of qualifications.
- Funding systems still linked to pre-2009 qualifications.
- New Timelines:
- The last date for learner enrolment has been extended by 1 to 2 years for specific qualifications meeting QCTO and SAQA criteria.
- The extent of pre-2009 qualifications ‘sitting’ with merSETA remains unclear. However, our understanding is that merSETA has proposed approximately 20 qualifications to the QCTO for extension. This is based on existing Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) merSETA holds with entities to deliver either skills programmes or full qualifications to employed and unemployed learners.
- These extensions allow additional time for realignment, development, and replacement of affected qualifications.
Action Required: Transition to QCTO-Aligned Qualifications
To ensure compliance with the latest directive regarding qualifications linked to pre-2009 frameworks, we encourage all employers and training providers to take the following steps:
- Review Current Qualifications: Assess your existing learnerships and qualifications that are still aligned to pre-2009 frameworks.
- Engage with Authorities: Work closely with the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) and SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) to facilitate a smooth transition process.
- RMI Office Shutdown: Please note the annual RMI office closure for the festive season:
- Shutdown Period: 23 December 2024 – 5 January 2025
- Reopening Date: 6 January 2025
- Seek Guidance and Support: If you need clarity or assistance with this directive, please contact the RMI Training Advisors, Training Manager, or Training Director.
Key RMI Contacts for Assistance:
RMI Training Manager: Boitumelo Mphanya – 072 825 3481.
RMI Training Director: Louis van Huyssteen – 082 560 6623.
RMI Training Advisors’ Contact Details: Gauteng, Northwest, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape: Priscilla Maritz – 072 792 8264; Teshney Samuel – 072 560 9943 and Tsholo Phiri – 073 292 9202; Western Cape: Japisa Khoza – 082 994 7740; KwaZulu-Natal: Nomusa Makume – 083 356 9912, and Eastern Cape: Sabelo Ntungwana – 071 382 0279 (available up to 23/12/2024).
RMI employer members and staff can direct written communication to Boitumelo Mphanya (boitumelo.mphanya@rmi.org.za), who will, in collaboration with Louis van Huyssteen, compile and engage with the QCTO CEO, Vijayen Naidoo. Mr. Naidoo’s contact details are included in the Government Gazette. The RMI Training Department values its strong relationship with the QCTO and kindly requests that this relationship be respected.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and encourage prompt action to ensure a smooth transition.
Please note that the published Government Gazette clearly states that no further extensions will be granted beyond the updated timeframes. This forms part of the transition from legacy qualifications to new occupational qualifications.
This newsflash was prepared by RMI Training Director: Louis van Huyssteen.
We trust this information will assist you in planning and aligning your training programmes accordingly.
Sincerely
Gary McCraw
Director
NADA
