SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Governance Practitioner

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
104991	Occupational Certificate: Governance Practitioner
ORIGINATOR
DQP - Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa CSSA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	376	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-12-07	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

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
60654	Professional Post-Graduate Qualification: Company Secretarial and Governance Practice	Level 7	NQF Level 08	120	Complete
60655	Professional Advanced Qualification: Governance and Administration	Level 6	NQF Level 07	120	Complete
60653	Professional Qualification: Governance and Administration	Level 5	NQF Level 06	130	Complete
60651	Professional Qualification: Management and Administration	Level 5	NQF Level 06	129	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The combination of modules that make up this part-qualification provides entry into the field of corporate governance and prepares a learner for positions in the divisions of public and private sector organisations that deal with corporate governance. After completion of this qualification, learners can choose to complete the second part of the qualification and qualify as company secretaries or they can enter into the Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional.

The qualifying learner will be able to:

Mitigate functions within an organisation to achieve the objectives of the organisation while addressing the expectations of its stakeholders.

Report to the board on relevant corporate and business legislation and case law relating to compliance with the Act, the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) or rules of the company.

Collate and distribute the company's annual financial statements to every person entitled to them for strategic decision-making purposes.

Advise directors of any laws relevant to or affecting the company to ensure sound corporate governance principles and best practices in various organisational contexts.

Communicate with peers, superiors, subordinates, customers and service providers in a work environment.

Rationale:
This part-qualification is designed to provide a learning pathway for learners who want to become company secretaries or who want to work in supportive roles in the corporate governance, compliance or risk management divisions of large organisations or in organisations that provide outsourced company secretarial, compliance or risk management services.

This part-qualification was developed in close co-operation with Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa (CSSA), the professional body for company secretaries and governance professionals in Southern Africa, and its constituents. It was also designed to meet the qualification standards set by the Professional Standards Committee of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), which consists of subject matter experts from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Canada, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong and Malaysia. These qualification standards are implemented by the professional bodies of these countries and adherence to these standards assisted in aligning this qualification to international best practice.

This part-qualification plays an important role in the provision of skills necessary to ensure good corporate governance in South African organisations. Good corporate governance is at the heart of continued domestic and foreign investment, which in turn is a prerequisite for economic growth and job creation. Similarly, confidence in the local financial markets depends on good corporate governance in the companies whose securities are traded in the markets.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the part-qualification:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:

NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and English.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules.

Knowledge Modules:

242203000-KM-01, Introduction to Financial Accounting, Level 5, 18 Credits.

242203000-KM-02, Communication, Level 5, 12 Credits.

242203000-KM-03, Introduction to Law, Level 5, 12 Credits.

242203000-KM-04, Introduction to Corporate Governance, Level 5, 12 Credits.

242203000-KM-05, Advanced Financial Accounting, Level 6, 18 Credits.

242203000-KM-06, Principles of Business Law, Level 6, 18 Credits.

242203000-KM-07, Managing Information Systems, Level 6, 12 Credits.

242203000-KM-08, Principles of Corporate Governance, Level 6, 18 Credits.

242203000-KM-09, Advanced Business Law, Level 7, 20 Credits.

242203000-KM-10, Advanced Corporate Governance, Level 7, 36 Credits.

242203000-KM-11, Principles of Management, Level 7, 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 196.

Practical Skill Modules:

242203000-PM-01, Communicate with peers, superiors, subordinates, customers and service providers in a work environment, Level 5, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-02, Investigate the structure of the South African courts and how court cases are conducted, Level 5, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-03, Prepare financial statements and reports for sole traders, partnerships, clubs and associations, Level 5, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-04, Apply the concepts of corporate governance and best governance practice in small business entities, Level 5, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-05, Use information technology for a range of business purposes, Level 6, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-06, Prepare financial statements and reports for close corporations and companies, Level 6, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-07, Use standardised contract templates and adapt them for a variety of contexts, Level 6, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-08, Apply corporate governance principles according to best governance practice within a corporate or public-sector environment, Level 6, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-09, Complete a range of management tasks, Level 7, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-10, Explain and interpret corporate governance scenarios for various role players in terms of best practice, Level 7, 9 Credits.

242203000-PM-11, Apply aspects of business law in a variety of contexts, Level 7, 9 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules:99.

Work Experience Modules:

242203000-WM-01, Complete procedures relating to the registration of small companies, Level 5, 8 Credits.

242203000-WM-02, Communicate with peers, superiors, subordinates, customers and service providers using a range of business communication methods, Level 5, 10 Credits.

242203000-WM-03, Prepare financial statements of a range of business entities, Level 6, 10 Credits.

242203000-WM-04, Apply the concepts of corporate governance with regard to risk management, compliance and financial reporting, Level 6, 8 Credits.

242203000-WM-05, Adapt standardised contracts for a variety of contexts including sales, leases, insurance and credit agreements, Level 7, 10 Credits.

242203000-WM-06, Evaluate company business practices to determine compliance with legislation relating to intellectual property, insolvency, competition, consumer protection, banking, trusts, and dispute resolution, Level 7, 15 Credits.

242203000-WM-07, Provide stakeholders with an analysis of corporate governance problems and suggest solutions and advice as to how the problems might be resolved according to best practice, Level 7, 10 Credits.

242203000-WM-08, Carry out various management activities, such as planning, organising, leading and controlling, within a business organisation, Level 7, 10 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 81.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Mitigate functions within an organisation to achieve the objectives of the organisation while addressing the expectations of its stakeholders.
2. Critically assess concerns and issues creating possible barriers within corporate governance structures.
3. Collate and distribute the company's annual financial statements to every person entitled to them for strategic decision-making purposes.
4. Advise directors of any laws relevant to or affecting the company to ensure sound corporate governance principles and best practices in various organisational contexts.
5. Communicate with peers, superiors, subordinates, customers and service providers in a work environment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Guide the development of strategies and plans for the attainment of business objectives that are appropriate and prudent, in the context of the regulatory, competitive and economic environment.

Monitor the execution of approved plans to ensure that objectives are achieved or strategies are appropriately adjusted to deal with changes in business or economic conditions.

Monitor adherence to approved policies, organisational and procedural controls, and compliance requirements.

Ensure that appropriate and timely action is taken to remedy any deficiencies in compliance that may arise, including issues brought to the organisation by regulators.

Ensure that management information systems provide timely and relevant information to support oversight responsibilities within the organisation.

Set an appropriate "tone from the top", by performing duties in an ethical manner and by setting ethical standards for individuals across the institution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify issues usually addressed by corporate governance structures.

Identify the drivers of corporate governance, such as capital markets, shareholders and rating agencies.

Critically assess governance concerns for individual corporate entities and their stakeholders.

Critically assess existing corporate governance structures and practices.

Identify the key elements of corporate culture that can obstruct an organisation from maintaining an appropriate governance framework.

Explain the essential role of ethical values in business relations and the importance of the ethical treatment of others for individual and organisational success.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Collate financial statements for a range of business entities.

Distribute financial statements and accounting information to relevant stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply the theories, concepts and principles related to the regulation of commercial organisations to practical scenarios.

Give a reasoned opinion on the legal structures available to organisations and their appropriateness in different situations.

Critically appraise the legal and other issues arising in complex scenarios and apply legislation relevant to the particular jurisdiction.

Critically examine the impact of the external regulatory environment on the structure of commercial organisations.

Present advice on structural and legal issues affecting organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Prepare clearly-formulated documentation, correspondence and verbal and electronic communication.

Identify key audience factors that affect communication with a specified audience and link these to communication methods and message content.

Communicate orally and in writing with stakeholders using the correct register and protocols.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. Formative assessments lead to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this part-qualification. The external Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary has been compared to qualifications in the United Kingdom (UK) and in Australia.

United Kingdom (UK):
The University of Portsmouth in the UK offers an LLM Corporate Governance and Law/Grad ICSA degree course

This degree is designed for law and non-law
graduates, practising lawyers and business professionals. Graduates will be eligible, after graduation, for the Grad ICSA qualification from ICSA {Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators), and with relevant work experience graduates may also be able to apply for ACIS status (Associate in the Chartered Institute of Secretaries).

Core Modules:

Legal Approach to Business.

International Commercial Arbitration.

LLM Personal Tutorial.

Financial Reporting, Analysis and Decision Making.

Corporate Secretarial Practice & Strategy.

Corporate Law and Governance.

Optional Modules:

Cilex Client Care Skills (Masters Route).

Cilex Level 6 Practice (Masters Route).

Commercial and Consumer Law.

Community Legal Research Project.

Employment Law (L7).

Global Approaches to Medical Law and Ethics.

Global Corporate Responsibility.

Intellectual Property Law.

International and European Human Rights Law.

Negotiation Theory and Practice.

Theory of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Work Based Project Unit (Law).

Employment Law (L?).

Corporate Secretarial Case Study.

Legal Dissertation Postgraduate.

Australia:
Governance Institute of Australia offers a Post Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.

The Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance provides the graduate with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in good governance. This course leads to becoming an internationally recognised Chartered Secretary. The qualification follows a public or private sector stream.

Modules specific for Private sector stream:

Applied Corporate Law.

Corporate Accountability: Meetings and Disclosure.

Modules specific for Public sector stream:

Public Law and Government.

Public Sector Accountability and Transparency.

Modules applicable to both streams:

Corporate Governance.

Risk and Compliance.

Financial and Management Accounting.

Corporate Financial Management.

Conclusion:
The South African qualification (Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary (Governance Professional)) compares well to the qualifications mentioned above in terms of the subject matter covered and relevant applied skills needed in the workplace.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:
This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:

Occupational Certificate: Professional Principal Executive Officer, Level 7.

Advanced Certificate in Corporate Governance and Administration, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:
This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications currently under development:

Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary, Level 8.

Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional, Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

Foundational learning:
Not required for this part-qualification.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.
The curriculum title and code is: Company Secretary 242203000.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

Parent Qualification:
242203000, Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary, Level 8, 544 Credits.

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.

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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.

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