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: 

Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118115  Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional 
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
Occupational Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  156  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2021-03-25  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

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

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Governance Professional. A governance professional is responsible for leading and advising key stakeholders on best practice in governance, risk management and compliance; championing the compliance framework to safeguard organisational integrity; promoting and acting as a 'sounding board' on standards of ethical corporate behaviour; and balancing the interests of the board (or governing body), management and other stakeholders. Governance professionals have a significant impact on the level and quality of corporate governance and governance culture within an organisation, and play a pivotal role in assisting the board or governing body to achieve the organisation's vision and strategy.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply the concepts of corporate governance and best governance practice within a corporate or public-sector environment.
  • Assess factors that create possible barriers within corporate governance structures.
  • Solve corporate governance problems according to best practices.
  • Develop and monitor corporate governance processes and systems with regard to risk management, compliance and financial reporting.
  • Conduct research on corporate governance scenarios to provide stakeholders (including directors, executive management, shareholders and suppliers) solutions and alternatives to inform best practice within the organisation.
  • Mitigate risks in the context of good governance.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to meet the need for corporate governance professionals who can work in public and private sector organisations in South Africa. The qualification is also suitable for professionals in other fields, senior managers and executive and non-executive directors of companies who carry responsibility in terms of corporate governance. In addition, the qualification provides an alternative learning pathway to learners enrolled in the Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary. This alternative route is specifically suitable for learners who work in the public sector or who do not have access to company secretarial work experience as required by the Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary. Governance professionals work alongside company secretaries or take responsibility for corporate governance in organisations that are not obliged to appoint company secretaries.

    This 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. 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.

    Successful learners will be prepared for employment at senior levels in organisations and will be able to undertake leadership roles with confidence, to understand and advise on legal and governance matters and to contribute to strategic planning within the entities where they work.

    This qualification is of critical importance for the South African economy. Good corporate governance in both the private and public sectors is at the heart of continued domestic and foreign investment, which in turn is a prerequisite for economic growth and job creation. 
    		•

    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 result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 7 qualification in the area of Governance, Business Management and or Business Administration. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 242203-001-01-KM01, Corporate Law, Level 8, 4 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-KM02, Finance for Decision-making, Level 8, 17 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-KM03, Applied Corporate Governance and Theory of Research Methodology, Level 8, 17 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-KM04, Risk and Compliance Principles, Level 8, 17 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-KM05, Enterprise Risk Analysis and Management, Level 8, 17 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-KM06, Public Sector Governance Analysis, Level 8, 17 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 89

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 242203-001-01-PM01, Apply the Concepts of Corporate Law, Level 8, 5 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-PM02, Conduct Research to Provide Solutions and Advice as to how a Corporate Governance Problem might be Resolved According to Best Practice, Level 8, 6 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-PM03, Participate in Decision-Making and Processes Concerning the Maximisation Of Value in Investment and Finance, Level 8, 6 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-PM04, Apply Research Process to Conduct Business/Organisational Situation Analysis and Manage Risk and Compliance in a Business Entity, Level 8, 6 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-PM05, Develop Risk Plans Using Enterprise Risk Management Frameworks, Level 8, 6 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-PM06, Apply the Concepts of Best Practice Governance in the Public Sector, Level 8, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 34

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 242203-001-01-WM01, Research and Prepare Advice for the Board (Or Governing Body) on Corporate Governance Principles and the Implementation of Governance Programmes, Level 8, 8 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-WM02, Conduct Research and Respond to Simulated or Real Queries from the Directors of the Company and other Stakeholders (Shareholders, Employees, Suppliers) on Various Corporate Governance Matters and Legislative and other Regulatory Requirements, Level 8, 10 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-WM03, Ensure Compliance with the Provisions of the Companies Act, 2008, Companies Regulations, 2011, the King Report on Corporate Governance, and other legal and Statutory Requirements, and Report Accordingly to the Board or Governing Body, Level 8, 10 Credits.
  • 242203-001-01-WM04, Develop, Communicate and Maintain Governance, Risk and Compliance Policies, Processes and Procedures as Appropriate to the Governance Professional's Role, Level 8, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 33 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the concepts of corporate governance and best governance practice within a corporate or public-sector environment.
    2. Assess factors that create possible barriers within corporate governance structures.
    3. Solve corporate governance problems according to best practices.
    4. Develop and monitor corporate governance processes and systems with regard to risk management, compliance and financial reporting.
    5. Conduct research on corporate governance scenarios to provide stakeholders (including directors, executive management, shareholders and suppliers) solutions and alternatives to inform best practice within the organisation.
    6. Mitigate risks in the context of good governance. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply general principles of accountability, transparency, integrity, fairness, responsibility and consensus to the public.
  • Evaluate fundamental concepts, principles and drivers behind the 'good governance' movement.
  • Analyse corporate governance requirements and how good governance procedures add to the effectiveness of organisations.
  • Apply governance code of practice and other relevant governance expectations of private and public entities.
  • Evaluate the role that corporate governance plays in maintaining the stability of markets and retaining public confidence in corporate entities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and assess constraints that impede functioning of corporate governance structures.
  • Identify, analyse and interpret drivers of corporate governance, such as capital markets, shareholders and rating agencies.
  • Identify and assess governance challenges for individual corporate entities and their stakeholders.
  • Assess and evaluate existing corporate governance structures and practices in the organisations.
  • Assess, evaluate and count key elements of corporate culture that obstruct organisations from maintaining an appropriate governance framework.
  • Explain and apply the role of ethical values in business relations.
  • Discuss the importance of ethical treatment of others for individual and organisational success.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse legal, societal and governmental aspects of corporate governance.
  • Analyse legal and regulatory structure of business as it bears on ethical issues in business and the ethical basis of that structure.
  • Analyse ethical dilemmas using ethical theories and frameworks in business to resolve practical problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse and apply applicable concepts of risk management, compliance and finances of corporate entities.
  • Draft, design and develop processes and procedures with clear responsibilities and accountability areas for a well-functioning board or governing body.
  • Monitor the implementation of governance processes and procedures with regards to risk management, compliance and corporate finance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Review and analyse roles and functions of key stakeholders in relation to corporate governance.
  • Review, analyse and interpret current trends in corporate governance and develop sound corporate ethics.
  • Examine, evaluate, compare, analyse and interpret case studies of organisations that failed to implement good governance and the consequences for the stakeholders and the industry.
  • Analyse, interpret and apply principles and guidelines for good corporate governance in relation to organisation case studies and scenarios and make recommendations and practical suggestions to decision-makers as to courses of action they should take.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse challenges, processes and techniques for effective risk management.
  • Expound multiple risks faced by organisations and the tools available for remediation.
  • Analyse and review factors involved in addressing legal risks in corporate governance and regulatory contexts.
  • Evaluate a company's approach to risk management through risk identification, risk measurement and risk management (or mitigation).
  • Apply risk management industry standards to mitigate possible risks.

    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. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

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

    United Kingdom:
    The University of Edinburgh offers a Postgraduate Course in Corporate Governance. The qualification is delivered over a year with theory and practical. It has both summative/final theory examination and practical assessment conducted throughout the year.
    The qualification covers the following areas:
  • Executive Compensation and Turnover;
  • Theoretical Aspects of Corporate Governance;
  • Directors and Board Structure;
  • Ownership Structure;
  • Institutional Investors;
  • Family-Owned Firms;
  • Development of Corporate Governance Codes;
  • Stakeholders and Social Responsibility;
  • Financial reporting quality;
  • Research Methods in Corporate Governance.

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

    The Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance provides the qualifying learner with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in good governance. This qualification 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 Occupational Certificate: 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 
    This qualification provides horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Public Management and Governance, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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 records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    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 QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Governance Professional: 242203-001-01-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (DQP):
  • Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa (CSSA).

    Related Part-Qualification:
  • None 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.