SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Horticulture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100746  Diploma in Horticulture 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
78637  National Diploma: Horticulture  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the Diploma in Horticulture is to provide horticulture graduates who will be equipped with technical, horticultural sciences/technologies and applied managerial skills within a range of horticultural establishments such as wholesale production nurseries, retail nurseries/garden centres, municipalities, botanical gardens, horticultural amenity organisations, horticultural/agricultural quarantine stations and horticultural/agricultural research stations.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Identify a variety of plant material/types, know their environmental requirements and how to use them in various landscapes and horticultural settings
  • Produce ornamental plants using a variety of propagation and cultivation methods
  • Identify and control various pathogens, insects and weeds/invasive plants that negatively impact plant growth
  • Identify and operate different tools and equipment that are used in the horticultural industry
  • Effectively manage a labour force and communicate professionally using various platforms
  • Know how to apply fertilisers, understand its chemistry and how the various elements affect plant growth
  • Maintain various horticultural amenities such as public parks, cemeteries, botanical gardens, sports fields, etc.
  • Manage retail nurseries/garden centres and perform all the related functions
  • Apply the necessary skills to adapt horticultural design and management skills to a changing environment
  • Provide a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding to continue with further studies at a higher level

    Rationale:
    The horticulture industry has changed significantly over the past decade or more. Adaptations due to water scarcity have placed more emphasis on growing and planting indigenous ornamental species. The large and diverse Green Industry requirements for ornamental plant production, propagation, sales, landscaping and design establishment, the maintenance of public amenities and the conservation and sustainability of the environment were also considered in aligning the Diploma with these requirements. This qualification is also the only offering in Ornamental Horticulture in the Western Cape. Focus has been placed on improving vocational knowledge to provide employees who are more equipped with technical, horticultural sciences/technologies and applicable managerial skills for the industry.

    The design of this qualification is influenced by the following:
  • Advisory Board meetings twice a year where members of the industry and professional bodies (SANA, SACLAP, SALI, IPPS, Cape Green Forum) have an opportunity to advise the department on WPBL student performance and placement; structure and focus of our subjects; new technological advancements, managing a changing environment, etc.
  • Visits by staff and learners to various horticultural organisations for presentations, discussions and explanations of various systems and technologies
  • Individual visits of members from the industry to advise us on laboratory and nursery operations, mechanisation and the introduction of the latest technologies. This applies to our Tissue Culture lab. Chemistry lab, Entomology lab, and Research Greenhouses
  • Subject content design is also influenced by academics and learners who are attending Industry Conferences (IPPS, ISHS, BOTSOC, SANBI, SALI, Nature Conversations, SAGIC, Waterwise Rand Water) and Industry Open Days (SANA, The Green Industry, The Cape Green Forum)
  • Visits to the Horticultural Sciences Department by members of the industry to give talks/presentations on specific syllabus topics (Hunter Irrigation Specialists, SANBI Plant Conservation, STIHL Chainsaw Operation and Safety)

    The qualified learner will operate in the following sectors:
  • Cut Flower Production
  • Sports Field, Amenities and Public Space Management
  • Retail/Garden Centre Management
  • Wholesale Production Nurseries
  • Environmental Management Organisations
  • Ornamental Garden Design and Irrigation Installations Companies
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Plant Quarantine Stations
  • Research Stations

    Upon completion, the qualification will support lifelong learning, professional development, and personal enrichment for graduates in the Horticulture field. The qualification will further assist the graduate in starting his/her own business by using the entrepreneurial and management skills obtained. The society and economy will benefit by employing a highly skilled professional in all aspects of horticulture and certain aspects of agriculture, ensuring food security through pest and disease management and advanced propagation and cultivation skills. Environmental Management Organisations will benefit from the graduate's invasive plant control methods, water and irrigation management knowledge, and waterwise plant selection and design techniques. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access:
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualifica-tion that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be consid-ered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should pro-vide evidence in the form of a portfolio or other appropriate assessment methods that demon-strates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • An applicant may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualifi-cation. For an applicant to be exempted from a module, the applicant needs to provide suffi-cient evidence in the form of a portfolio or via appropriate assessment methods that demon-strates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the module's learning outcomes.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC), granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • A Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qual-ifications Framework Level 5 and 6, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 189 Credits.
  • Greenhouse Technology, 15 Credits.
  • Communication, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Botany 1A, 15 Credits.
  • Horticultural Sciences, 10 Credits.
  • Horticulture 1, 13 Credits.
  • Horticultural Management 1, 8 Credits.
  • Botany 1B, 13 Credits.
  • Plant Material Studies 1, 13 Credits.
  • Growth Media Technology, 13 Credits.
  • Environmental Studies, 8 Credits.
  • Plant Pests, 13 Credits.
  • Horticultural Mechanisation, 13 Credits.
  • Horticulture Integrated Project 2A, 13 Credits.
  • Turfgrass Culture, 11 Credits.
  • Plant Diseases, 11 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, totalling 171 Credits.:
  • Plant Material Studies, 13 Credits.
  • Horticulture 2, 12 Credits.
  • Horticulture Management 2, 7 Credits.
  • Environmental Studies 2B, 7 Credits.
  • Horticulture Integrated Project 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Horticulture 3, 13 Credits.
  • Horticultural Management 3, 8 Credits.
  • Plant Physiology, 13 Credits.
  • Plant Material Studies 3, 13 Credits.
  • Horticulture Integrated Project 3, 13 Credits.
  • Horticulture Workplace-Based Learning, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of ornamental plants and plant organisms of the plant kingdom to various horticultural practices.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and the relevance thereof in relation to different growth conditions.
    3. Select and utilise plant material appropriate/suitable for various horticultural purposes un-der specific conditions/situations.
    4. Utilise appropriate techniques, equipment and materials for the maintenance and care of plant material to ensure optimum functionality in various horticultural situations.
    5. Apply appropriate techniques, equipment and materials for the multiplication, propagation and production of plant materials for use in horticulture and landscaping.
    6. Apply appropriate ethical business, entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving and manage-ment skills in a horticultural enterprise.
    7. Communicate effectively with clients and personnel. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identification of ornamental plants according to their Family, Genus, Species and Common names
  • Be familiar with environmental conditions under which the various plant species grow
  • Design with ornamental plant species based on their environmental requirements
  • Understand the natural plant modifications and how it is used for plant adaptation in the natural environment

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand how a change in environmental conditions affects the plant's photosynthetic responses
  • Understand how a change in environmental conditions affects the plant's respiratory re-sponses
  • Understand how a change in environmental conditions affects the plant's transpiration rates
  • Observe, identify and take corrective action to mitigate the negative impacts of environmen-tal changes

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design with ornamental plants to create different functional areas e.g. windbreaks, tropical zones, etc.
  • Utilise plants according to different environmental conditions as presented by different landscapes
  • Understand the growth habits of ornamental plants to be strategically placed in a landscape design
  • Design food and medicinal gardens using the correct plant species

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Know the types of equipment, operation procedures and the maintenance thereof for sports fields
  • Know the equipment, operation procedures and maintenance for the eradication of invasive plants
  • Know the equipment, safety procedures and maintenance of equipment for tree felling op-erations
  • Know and be able to use basic hand tools and power tools

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Know and be able to apply different sexual and asexual propagation techniques for different plant types
  • Identify and operate equipment that are used for the propagation of the various plant types
  • Know and be able to use the various growth structures that are used from plant propagation to a mature plant

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Know and understand the principles and entrepreneurial skills to start your own horticultural business
  • Use the horticultural knowledge and skills obtained to identify and solve related problems in the workplace
  • Know how to effectively manage human resources, financial resources, structures, materi-als, equipment and vehicles

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Develop contracts for various horticultural clients
  • Chair staff meetings and communicate effectively using the appropriate software programs
  • Manage and draw up financial budgets and statements
  • Use specific software programs to communicate effectively with staff, higher management, suppliers, clients, research organisations and the industry at large.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods in which all the ELOs are assessed in an integrated manner. Assessment policy and practices at the in-stitution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, student centred-learning and as-sessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance student engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic, disci-plinary, and professional field norms and standards.

    Formative Assessment:
    It is aimed at enhancing student learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study.

    In this qualification, it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem-solving, individual and/or group assignments and projects, case studies, portfolio development, class discus-sions, quizzes, field trip reports and poster design.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing learners' attainment against the learning outcomes of the pro-gramme and subject(s). Summative assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written tests, re-ports and examination.

    In this qualification it will consist of written assessments in the form of written class tests and examination conducted during and at the end of the academic semester/year.

    Integrated assessment often cuts across a number of subjects/modules of a programme and is aimed at the holistic development of leaners, ensuring where possible that ELOs are as-sessed in an integrated manner, and contributes to leaners' personal and professional devel-opment in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence.

    Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place at the third year of study and lean-ers will be assessed holistically by means of project reports, a portfolio of evidence and an oral presentation related to the needs and requirements of the industry and field of study. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    New Zealand offers a National Certificate in Horticulture (3 years) at the Southern Institute of Technology.

    This qualification offers in-depth studies in the following areas:
  • Nutrient and water cycles
  • Plant establishment and growth
  • Landscape design
  • Outdoor vegetables
  • Nursery production

    The two qualifications have a similar duration of 3 years and a similar NQF/NZQF level of 6. The purpose of the two qualifications is also aligned and is developed through similar ELOs
    There is, however, a notable difference between the two qualifications, as the South African qualification differs in the sense that our qualification is more specialised and focuses on or-namental horticulture, propagation and cultivation of our indigenous flora, resulting in a differ-ence in module groupings

    The Royal Horticultural Society in England offers a 3-year Certificate in Horticulture. This qualification offers similar content to the South African qualification in the following areas:
  • Plant Identification
  • Plant Establishment
  • Plant Propagation
  • Plant health
  • Plant pruning
  • Garden features
  • Grassed areas
  • Plant science
  • Biodiversity

    The two qualifications are also aligned in terms of study duration of 3 years. The purpose of the two qualifications is also aligned and is developed through similar ELOs

    Michigan State University (USA) offers a Degree in Horticulture with the following focus are-as:
  • Horticultural Science
  • Sustainable and Organic Horticulture
  • Horticulture Landscape Design and Construction
  • Horticulture Management
  • Horticulture Crops for Food

    The above subject content is very similar to what the South African qualification offers. How-ever, the qualification type differs, as the Michigan State University qualification is a degree at a different NQF level.

    Conclusion
    The South African qualification compares favourably with other international horticultural qualifications. Most of these international universities offer postgraduate programmes into which South African graduates can articulate because of similar subject content. As men-tioned earlier, our Horticultural qualification does not include an agricultural aspect but strong-ly focuses on specialised biomes such as the Succulent Karoo Biome and the Fynbos Biome. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Agriculture, NQF Level 6.
  • Currently, there are no possible horizontal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.