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: General Manager Public Service 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118791  Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PSETA 
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  150  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-02-03  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 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 prepare a learner to function as a General Manager Public Service. A General Manager Public Service promotes administrative efficiency within government departments by rendering managerial services and support aligned to government policies. Typical attributes envisaged upon achievement of the qualification include leadership, strategist and analyst.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Implement a departmental strategic plan at unit level.
  • Manage finance and human resources at unit level.
  • Manage information, communication and technology at unit level.

    Rationale:
    Employment in the Public Service is highly regulated to ensure that the implementation of Government's policies provide services accordingly to the electorate as elaborated in the Public Service Act (PSA), 1994 as amended, Public-Service-Management-Code, Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Middle Management Competency Framework and Regulations. One of the aims of Government is to have a professionalised Public Service for a developmental State.

    The extended Public Service is organised in three (3) spheres of Government, namely National, Provincial and Local Municipality, each one made up of specialised departments employing occupational functionaries at different levels of responsibility and management. This qualification is aimed at providing the junior and middle manager cadre within the public service with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude required to serve in the public service across different functional units to create a sound communication base between the respective units and different levels of responsibility.

    The junior and middle managers are mainly responsible for compiling and the day-to-day implementation of a unit's operational plan under the guidance of senior managers. These managers are mostly appointed from serving public servants in the administration cadre (supervisors) but may also be recruited from the private sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part-qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part-qualification will be credited for modules through 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 5 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 111202-000-00-KM-01, Business Communication, Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-KM-02, Human Resource Management, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-KM-03, Principles of Maintaining Interpersonal Relations, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-KM-04, Benefits and Conditions of Service, Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-KM-05, Promote Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace, Level 5,
    3 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-KM-06, Government Systems, Level 5, 9 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-KM-07, Using Technology Effectively and Efficiently to Meet Public Service Requirements, Level 5, 9 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 56

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 111202-000-00-PM-01, Implement a Departmental Strategic Plan at Unit Level, Level 7,
    16 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-PM-02, Manage the Resources at Unit Level, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-PM-03, Manage Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) at Unit Level, Level 6, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 30

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 111202-000-00-WM-01, Operational Plan Processes and Procedures at Unit Level, Level 6, 25 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-WM-02, Resource Processes and Procedures at Unit Level, Level 6,
    21 Credits.
  • 111202-000-00-WM-03, ICT Processes and Procedures at Unit Level, Level 6, 18 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 64 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop an operational plan to achieve set objectives in accordance with the prescribed templates.
    2. Develop a unit Annual Performance Plan (APP) in accordance with the prescribed templates.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the management of human resources and financial processes at unit level.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding and application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at unit level. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and develop Key Performance Areas (KPAs) from the strategic plan.
  • Present a developed unit implementation plan.
  • Compile monthly/quarterly/annual reports in accordance with departmental guidelines.
  • Implement a service delivery programme.
  • Develop a monitoring strategy.
  • Reflect the Batho-Pele principles in the plan.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of written reports.
  • Compile a submission on one of the identified items in the operational plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify key result areas.
  • Develop key activities.
  • Determine weights of activities.
  • Develop performance indicators.
  • Describe the components of a performance agreement.
  • Explain the performance management cycle.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of human resource performance management linked to development.
  • Develop an understanding of staff motivation.> Undertake to mentor and coach staff.
  • Describe the five main functions of Human Resource Management (HRM) in the Public Service context.
  • Explain the role of the HRM unit in one's department.
  • List and describe Human Resource (HR) legislation and policy in the Public Service in terms of its purpose.
  • Apply principles of basic negotiation, interviewing and inter-personal skills.
  • Describe the principles of managing and functioning in a team.
  • Explain, identify and manage organisational modes of conflict.
  • Define the terms of "diversity" and "disability".
  • Explain the principle of "Total Cost of Ownership".
  • Define the concepts of "unauthorised, irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure".
  • Explain legislative provisions of finance in the Public Service in terms of the Public Finance Management Act or Municipal Finance Management Act.
  • Define with examples, the concepts of "fraudulent" and "corrupt" practices.
  • Identify the pillars of supply chain.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe the components of an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) -systems infrastructure and their purpose.
  • Give information on the status of ICT equipment in a unit and compile an electronic report for decision purposes.
  • Compile and present an electronic report.
  • List and describe the components of a filing system.
  • Explain the principles and importance of electronic records management.
  • Describe the methods to safeguard records from the perils that may affect them.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider 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 together with work experience leads to entrance in 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.

    The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service was compared with a similar qualifications in New Zealand and Australia.

    New Zealand
    The National Diploma in Public Sector Management (Leadership Development) which is registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, relates to the Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service. The qualification is at New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) Level 6, with 130 Credits. This qualification is for people who are employed in leadership roles in the State Sector and who aspire to serve in senior leadership roles.

    The qualification is aimed at experienced first line managers or team managers, middle managers, and new senior managers in their career. This qualification covers core leadership skills and knowledge and includes standards that enable people to exhibit their leadership skills and knowledge. People will be at the stage of career development where their future need is for leadership abilities rather than operational management, service delivery and technical abilities.

    The core areas of study include subjects/standards such as:
  • Management and Commerce.
  • Public Sector Management.
  • Public Sector Services and Business Management.

    These last two (2) standards relate much closely to the South African qualification's knowledge modules, which are Benefits and Conditions of Service and Business Communication.

    Australia
    The Queensland University of Technology offers a Public Sector Management Programme. Qualifying learners receive a Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Sector Management).

    The Public Sector Management qualification is a flexible and dynamic study option catering specifically for mid-level managers in the modern Australian public service.

    The qualification is delivered over 15 months with four intensive mandatory 3 or 4-day workshops. The qualification is designed in collaboration with the government of Australia to meet the needs of the contemporary Public Sector.

    The qualification consists of four (4) core modules, namely:
  • GSZ631 Managing within the Context of Government.
  • GSZ632 Managing Self and Others.
  • GSZ633 Managing Outwards in a Networked Government.
  • GSZ634 Managing Operations for Outcomes.

    The Australian Public Sector Management comparison with the South African qualification is justified because it contains similar essential core competencies to those contained in the Australian qualification

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service compares favourably well with in terms of content, scope and training provided by the Australian programme and the New Zealand qualification. They all cater for different management levels from junior, middle and early senior management levels within public service. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience including Foundational Learning Competences.

    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: General Manager Public Service, 111202-000-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA).

    Parent Qualification
  • None

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
    None. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.