SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Local Governance

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111349	Higher Certificate in Local Governance
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Public Administration
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0921/24	2019-08-23	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2034-06-30

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with vocational training in the local governance field. It provides learners with an exposure to general principles within the local governance field, whilst enabling them to develop the skills required for specific work contexts. This qualification equips learners with the appropriate foundational knowledge and understanding of the functioning of the Local Government for entry-level positions. The aim is to enable the application of concepts, tools and techniques within the sphere of Local Government.

This qualification places emphasis on the following basic components of local governance, introductory concepts in public administration, Local Government structures and administration, customer relationship management and ethics, local government finance and human resource management. This qualification aims to equip learners with the ability to apply these components within local governance, using sector-specific case studies and scenarios. In accordance with The Work-Integrated Learning Policy (IIE006), the exposure to both theory and the work-integrated learning component plays a vital role in preparing the learner for the workplace. Therefore, on completion of this qualification, learners will have the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, fundamental attitudes, values and interpersonal skills that are essential to become effective practitioners in local government and be efficient in performing tasks related to entry-level positions.

Rationale:
The design of this qualification has been informed by the need to enhance the skills base of the public sector in South Africa, which has been under discussion for a number of years. In an effort to help address this urgent and increasing need for capacity building in the public sector, the government established the National School of Government. The National School of Government plays a significant role in addressing various challenges faced in South Africa in terms of service delivery. In doing so, the National School of Government has integrated lessons and experiences from the past to develop skills and empower the current generation of public servants. Furthermore, the National School of Government aims to build a capable and developmental state that will assist in eradicating poor service delivery.

The National School of Government lists a range of training qualifications focussed on Administration, Financial Management, Human Resource Management and Leadership training, but it does not offer any full qualifications. Hence this qualification will complement other existing capacity building qualifications for the public sector in South Africa.

The skills shortage of government officials in the South African economy provides an opportunity for the offering of Local Governance qualifications such as this Higher Certificate as an entry point for those learners interested in entry-level positions within the public sector. The Higher Certificate could further be used as a point of access into further studies that could then potentially fulfil the need for more middle and senior management within the public sector as indicated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)'s National List of Occupations in High Demand that occupations such as General Managers in the Public Service, Senior Government Officials and Senior Government Managers are in high demand.

Areas such as Administration, Financial Management and Control, Human Resource Management, Critical Issues in Local Government, Public Policy and Ethical Leadership, are areas that have been identified by experts as critical to the development of the sector. Consequently, this Higher Certificate will aim to address the indicated skills shortages.

In this context, the qualification will produce learners who are able to contribute positively to local government services as responsible administrators and possibly later as managers who are able to make informed decisions and contribute positively to the change needed for economic growth and development.

This qualification will provide educational and development opportunities for school leavers wishing to enter the public service, and existing public servants who wish to enhance their career prospects.

The foundational knowledge, coupled with practical skills and simulated experience in the workplace, enables successful learners to enter several career paths and to apply their learning to particular employment contexts from the outset. For example, learners will be adequately prepared to carry out the daily tasks of a local governance assistant.

Career opportunities for immediate learners of this higher certificate exist as:

Local Government Administrator.

Human Resource Administrator.

Assistant Financial Officer.

Municipal Clerk.

This qualification will prepare learners to further their studies at Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) Level 6.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to admit learners. The application processes are qualification specific. This means that the criteria against which evidence of Prior Learning that must be provided are determined by the learning normally assumed to be in place for each qualifications.

In addition to Recognition of Prior Learning a Credit Accumulation and Transfer mechanism exists for access and advance standing for formal learning from a recognised, registered and accredited institution on a registered and accredited qualification. CAT rules as proposed by national policy are applied.

If an applicant applies for a Recognition of Prior Learning admission, the learning assumed to be in place for the qualification is assessed against Exit Level Outcomes equivalent to the formal learning required for admission. This would include an evaluation of the content as well as the applicant's cognitive and technical competence.

Prospective learner prepares a portfolio against these stated requirements which is then assessed by a team of experts/academics in line with the policy.

Recognition is awarded for:

Learning, and not for experience per se;

Learning that is on the level of the specific level descriptors of the qualification/unit standard; and

Learning that is in line with applied competence and has a balance between theory and practical application appropriate to the subject or unit standard.

Entry Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Level 5 totalling 121 Credits:

Introduction to Academic and Digital Literacy 12 Credits.

Introduction to Personal Computing 5 Credits.

Business Communication 10 Credits.

Introduction to Public Administration 16 Credits.

Local Government Structures and Administration 16 Credits.

Local Government Customer Relationship Management and Ethics 12 Credits.

Local Government Financial Management 16 Credits.

Local Government Human Resource Management 16 Credits.

Work-Integrated Learning 18 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. The learner will be able to: Demonstrate informed knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of Public Administration and its application within the South African Local Government context.
2. The learner will be able to: Select and apply core human resource management practices to optimise the contribution and role of human resources within the public sector.
3. The learner will be able to: Apply the appropriate financial administrative and management processes and procedures to ensure effective control and administration of public money within Local Government.
4. The learner will be able to: Apply the appropriate communication and customer service skills in building and maintaining ethical customer relationships within the public sector.
5. The learner will be able to: Demonstrate basic knowledge and applied comprehension of local governance within municipal management.
6. The learner will be able to: Apply the basic processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation on appropriate and relevant information gathered from a range of sources and communicate this information effectively.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
The learner will:

Demonstrate informed knowledge and comprehension of the key concepts and theories of Public Administration in the South African context.

Demonstrate informed comprehension of the role and functions that Public Administration plays in the South African public sector.

Apply standard Public Administration theories and principles underpinning the operational elements of the public sector profession to a given scenario.

Analyse the application of resource management within the public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate informed knowledge and comprehension of the key concepts, principles, practices and theories of human resource management within Local Government.

Select and apply human resource management practices such as recruitment and selection to a given scenario within the context of Local Government.

Display the ability to analyse a routine human resource problem and apply relevant laws regulating human resource management to solve the problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate comprehension of the principles, practices as well as the basic economic and political ideas associated to the administration and management of public money within the context of Local Government.

Demonstrate foundational applied knowledge and comprehension of working capital, procurement and financial management.

Apply appropriate methods and techniques to organise, compile and execute a basic budget for a given scenario.

Demonstrate the ability to apply professionalism and ethics to a given scenario related to the administration and management of Municipal Finance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
The learner will:

Demonstrate foundational knowledge and comprehension of customer relationship management within the context of Local Government.

Apply appropriate communication skills to communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently in order to build good customer relationships and manage customer experiences within a Local Government setting.

Recognise ethical dilemmas and behaviour within the context of the Local Government.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
The learner will:

Demonstrate foundational knowledge and comprehension of the role and functions of Local Government.

Demonstrate foundational knowledge and comprehension of the constitutional dispensation and how it affects Local Government.

Illustrate basic comprehension of the strategic priorities, tools and approaches of a developmental Local Government.

Apply the regulatory instruments governing Local Government in South Africa to a given scenario.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
The learner will:

Display the ability to use technology to source requisite information and compiling it in an appropriate report format.

Show ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing using conventions appropriate to the context.

Analyse Local Governance information in relation to a given scenario.

Evaluate South African local governance practices.

Integrated Assessment:
Formative Assessment:
Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests and an integrated qualification portfolio based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated Assessments are designed to achieve:

An integration of the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification has been achieved.

The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.

Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Higher Certificate in Local Governance is offered worldwide, in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. The University of Technology in Sydney (UTS), Australia, offers the Learner Certificate in Local Government Management. The aim of this qualification is to enable an employee within the local government sphere to understand the special skills and characteristics of Local Government. The Learner Certificate in Local Government Management is tailored to the Local Government environment, allowing managers to meet their differing professional needs, while keeping abreast of the latest issues (University of Technology Sydney, 2018: Online).

The qualification at The University of Technology in Sydney comprises of the following modules:

Organising and Managing in Local Government.

Local Government Principles and Practice.

Leading in Local Government.

Local Environmental Management.

Social Planning and Community Development.

Strategic Planning, and

Vocational Competencies 1 and Vocational Competencies 2.

Similar to the Higher Certificate in Local Governance, the qualification offered at The University of Technology in Sydney is a one-year qualification. Their qualification learning outcomes include the following:

Orientation towards the achievement of public and community value through Local Government.

Appreciation of social justice and ethical issues and their application in Local Government.

Ability to deliver an engaging and informed oral presentation.

Understanding of a range of communication methodologies for undertaking workforce and community engagement.

Capacity to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.

Ability to question and challenge conventional approaches to Local Government practice.

A sound understanding of the principles and practice of Local Government.

Capacity to design locally appropriate planning and reporting frameworks.

Ability to make informed decisions which consider financial, asset and workforce resourcing issues in Local Government.

Ability to draw lessons from Local Government in other contexts.

Capacity to develop informed arguments and rationales relating to current issues in Local Government.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows both vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Municipal Governance, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Office Administration, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Local Government Management, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Administration in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.	The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd