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: E-Waste Operations Controller

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119264	Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MICT SETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		Environmental Relations
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	167	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2022-06-21	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 operate as an E-Waste Operations Controller. An e-Waste Operations Controller oversees sustainable processes and practices to fulfil the entire recycling chain from collection, repurposing and beneficiation of suitable parts and components in accordance with circular economy-based pollution prevention and resource conservation principles.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Plan, lead, organise and control financially feasible, environmentally safe, socially equitable and ethical sound e-waste recycling operations along the entire recycling value chain allowing for the reuse, beneficiation (repurposing) and disposal of e-waste.

Regularly control, monitor, keep record of and take remedial action to ensure compliance with all relevant aspects limited to the applicable legal framework thus endeavouring for environmental management compliance of systems, operations and procedures.

Rationale:
Currently, there are no similar qualifications at NQF Level 4 registered on the NQF. However, there are registered qualifications at lower levels (Occupational Certificate: Collaborative Recycler, NQF Level 2 and Occupational Certificate: Materials Recycler (Paper and Packaging Collector), NQF Level 3) in the space of waste recycling. The focus of the Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller is on e-waste.

Computers and other electronic equipment are manufactured from natural as well as man-made materials. While some naturally occurring substances, such as chromium, are relatively harmless in nature, their use in the manufacture of electronic equipment often results in compounds which are toxic being especially harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly. On average, the total weight (excluding photovoltaic panels) of global electric and electronic equipment (EEE) consumption increases annually by 2.5 million metric tons (Mt). In 2019, the world generated a striking 53.6 Mt of e-waste, an average of 7.3 kg per capita. One example of such e-waste is that globally 7,7 billion people now have mobile phones, which generally gets replaced every two years. There is 360,000 tons of e-waste produced per annum in South Africa. Of that, only 25,000 to 35,000tons are being formally and legally compliant recycled.

A large portion of the waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in South Africa is stored in national and provincial government departments, business entities and households, while some leaks into the waste system is eventually disposed of in landfill sites. To address current internal stockpiles, National Government has recently developed an asset release management strategy. When these historical WEEE streams are eventually released into the system this will put additional burden on the existing and currently inadequate capacities of formal recycling service providers. Government is planning for an asset release strategy. This release of WEEE will put further current lack of capacity of recyclers. This illustrates the need for people skilled in the management of e-waste and the development of a suitable qualification thereof.

In addition, on 5 November 2020 the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published regulations extending producer responsibility with regards to e-Waste. This places the onus of producers whose products will eventually fall within the e-waste category, to instil plans to manage such waste in future.

Electronic waste has a potentially huge value from the materials like ferrous and precious metals, glass and plastic but it also has toxic elements and, as such, is a difficult waste stream to manage. It is also a challenging sector because of the volume of e-waste being generated. The current e-waste recyclers are not going to be able to deal with the targeted volumes. However, given that there are so few e-waste recyclers in the country that follow best practices, and given their current volumes of collecting and recycling, even if they double those volumes there is considerable scope for new enterprises throughout the value chain. E-waste and the management thereof can and will have a marked impact on the economy as a new and fast-growing industry. This qualification will address awareness about E-Waste, its impact, and solutions. As the economy grows, so will the need for skilled employees - the economic and social impact of the e-waste sector will be substantial.

This qualification aims to contribute to the country's ability to manage e-waste. It aims to provide junior management with knowledge and skills in the planning, leading, organising and controlling operations in electronic waste recycling, beneficiation and disposal of e-waste in a circular economy; controlling, monitoring and record keeping, take remedial action and for compliance purposes.

Typical learners include school leavers, qualifying learners from TVET Colleges and those currently in employment without formal recognition of competencies. No professional registration or licencing is expected for E-Waste Operations Controller to seek employment in the sector. E-waste Operations Controller can be employed as Waste Facility Controllers, Solid Waste Operations Controllers and Landfill Controllers.

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.

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 Qualification:

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.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

NQF Level 3 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

311906-001-00-KM-01, Introduction to Circular Economy, Sustainability, Legislation and Compliance, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-02, e-Waste Facility Management Principles, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-03, e-Waste Facility Business Principles and Finances, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-04, e-Waste Plant Administration Principles and Practices, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-05, e-Waste Plant Production Systems and Processes, Level 4, 8 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-06, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Technology and Utilisation, Level 3, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-07, e-Waste Facility Infrastructure, Technology and Automation, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-08, Design Thinking Principles for Innovation, Level 4, 1 Credit.

311906-001-00-KM-09, 4IR, Future Skills and Ethics, Level 4, 8 Credits.

311906-001-00-KM-10, Computer Skills and Use of Software Packages (beginner and intermediate), Level 4, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 49

Practical Skill Modules:

311906-001-00-PM-01, Oversee Optimised Resource Utilisation, Level 4, 8 Credits.

311906-001-00-PM-02, Oversee E-waste Operations Ensuring Consistent Quality and Productivity, Level 4, 16 Credits.

311906-001-00-PM-03, Ensure Compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Legal Compliance of Systems, Operations and Procedures, Level 4, 8 Credits.

311906-001-00-PM-04, Troubleshoot and Solve Non-Conformance Problems and Recommend Corrective Action, Level 4, 8 Credits.

311906-001-00-PM-05, Participate in a Design Thinking and Innovation Workshop, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311906-001-00-PM-06, Function Ethically and Effectively in the Workplace, Level 4, 2 Credits.

311906-001-00-PM-06, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Technology and Utilisation, Level 3, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 54

Work Experience Modules:

311906-001-00-WM-01, Optimised Facility Performance and Resource Utilisation, Level 4, 20 Credits.

311906-001-00-WM-02, e-Waste Process Control and Compliance Monitoring, Level 4, 28 Credits.

311906-001-00-WM-03, Non-conformance Inspection and Problem Solving, Level 4, 16 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 64

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Plan, lead, organise and control financially feasible, environmentally safe, socially equitable and ethical sound e-waste recycling operations.
2. Plan and control environmentally compliant and safe operations along the entire recycling chain.
3. Control, monitor, record and take remedial action to ensure compliance with all aspects of the environmental regulatory framework governing e-waste management in South Africa as well as applicable for export.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Plan, organise and control the legally compliant collection, transportation and temporary storage of e-waste.

Conduct quality assessment and categorisation of e-waste including sorting, grading and separation of parts and components ensuring suitability for (third party) repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and reuse.

Optimise quantities and quality of value fractions/materials d through the various recycling processes while the disposal of non-recyclable, valueless, hazardous recycling output materials is kept to a minimum.

Conduct activities to oversee manual (pre-) processing technologies and operations including sorting, separating, cleaning, emptying, dismantling and segregation for the depollution of e-waste.

Conduct activities to oversee mechanical technologies and operations in the recycling facility including concentration, shredding, milling, grinding, segregation and selective treatment of problematic fractions.

Conduct activities to oversee end-processing technologies and operations including the refining of value-based materials recovered (e.g. via smelting) and/or disposal of toxic/non-value materials derived in the process as applicable to the recycling facility.

Monitor and control supplier and contractor performance to enable continuous supply and efficiency of the production processes resulting in business viability and financial feasibility.

Plan the maintenance of equipment and machines and monitor the working order and machine down-time in case of breakdown.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practices of a circular economy based e-waste recycling chain system.

Demonstrate sound knowledge of the environmental legislative framework pertaining to e-waste recycling processes and facilities.

Monitor environmentally safe and compliant segregation and disposal of toxic and radio-active elements and other hazards thereby preventing contamination of feedstock and downstream processing.

Maintain compliance with procedures and measures to prevent spillage, leaching and environmental pollution/contamination.

Deal with any unforeseen incident in an environmentally compliant and publicly transparent manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Control, monitor and record e-waste beneficiation, recycling and disposal operations in line with circular economy strategy-based management approach and regulatory framework.

Conduct risk assessments of facilities, technology and processes in line with industry norms and standards as well as company procedures.

Implement and monitor remedial actions after identify any risk, non-conformance or incident.

Adhere to specified thresholds and processing volumes in ensuring that licenced limits are not exceeded.

Ensure legal compliance of systems, operations and procedures with all aspects of the national environmental regulatory framework.

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 external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

International comparability was conducted with training provided in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

United Kingdom:
The Diploma in Waste Management Operations: Managing Physical and Chemical Treatment (0746-46) is presented by City & Guilds. The diploma is at Level 4 and comprises of 193 credits of which 73 are mandatory and includes units categorised into:

Hazardous waste.

Non-hazardous waste.

Remediation of contaminated land.

Units from the hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste categories were selected for the comparison. E-waste is classified as hazardous and non-hazardous (when de-polluted) waste.

These are:

Control work activities on a waste management facility level

Manage the movement, sorting and storage of waste

Monitor procedures to safely control work operations

Control maintenance and other engineering operations

Manage and maintain effective systems for responding to emergencies

Manage the environmental impact of work activities

Manage improvements to waste management operations

Manage physical resources

Procedural compliance

Manage the reception of hazardous waste

Manage site operations for the treatment of hazardous waste

Manage the transfer of outputs and disposal of residues from hazardous waste transfer and recovery operations

Manage site operations for the treatment of non-hazardous waste

Manage the reception of hazardous waste

Manage the reception of non-hazardous waste

Manage the transfer of outputs and disposal of residues from hazardous waste treatment and recovery operations

Manage the transfer of recovered waste and related materials from a hazardous waste facility

The UK Level 4 Diploma in Waste Management Operations: Managing Physical and Chemical Treatment is aimed at learners who are at supervisory and management level and working in waste management operations facility. It awards licenses to the learner to manage waste sites nationally. There are no entry requirements to this qualification.

Similarities:
Both qualifications are at Level 4 and the competencies expressed in the units listed above, are similar to the content of the Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller. Since e-waste is regarded as hazardous waste, both qualifications have a focus on hazardous waste recycling.

Differences:
Learners who successfully complete the South African qualification will operate as controllers while learners completing the British Diploma will operate as managers. The Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller is aimed at school leavers and qualifying learners from TVET Colleges as well as persons currently employed in facilities, whereas the British Diploma focuses only on persons employed at supervisory, management and operations management levels. The Diploma in Waste Management Operations: Managing Physical and Chemical Treatment includes content related to the rehabilitation of land and it provides licencing to successful learners, which is not the case with the OC: E-Waste Operations Controller. The Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller includes modules on soft skills which is not the case with the Diploma in Waste Management Operations: Managing Physical and Chemical Treatment.

New Zealand:
The New Zealand Certificate in Resource Recovery (Level 4) offered by is offered by MITO New Zealand Training Organisation (Inc.) was used for international comparability. The qualification is at Level 4, with the credit value is 95 and it has strands in composing, recovery and recycling, scrap metal recycling and solid waste. The focus of this qualification is to provide learners with advanced skills and knowledge required to work as senior operators and first-line supervisors. It will qualify learners to provide technical support, take responsibility for safety within the workplace and identify new opportunities for their operation.

The target group for this qualification is experienced operators from within the industry or people with relevant similar experience in other industries.

Qualified learners will be able to:

Monitor legislative and regulatory compliance, and safe systems of work within the workplace and respond to issues of non- compliance as required to meet workplace policies and procedures in a resource recovery environment.

Apply concepts, principles and/or philosophies of environmental sustainability relevant to the New Zealand resource recovery industry to their work role in a resource recovery environment.

Supervise staff, and communicate appropriately with internal staff, clients, local bodies, government organisations, and the general public as required to meet relevant workplace policies and procedures in a resource recovery environment.

Co-ordinate machinery/equipment and team members to meet workplace performance, process and quality requirements in a resource recovery environment.

Graduates of the Recovery and Recycling strand will also be able to aApply in-depth technical knowledge of recovery and/or recycling processes and products to contribute to continuous improvement within the workplace.

Similarities:
Both qualifications are at Level 4 and the competencies expressed in the units listed above, are similar to the content of the Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller. Since e-waste is regarded as hazardous waste, both qualifications have a focus on hazardous waste recycling.

Differences:
Learners who successfully complete the OC: E-Waste Operations Controller will operate as controllers while learners completing the New Zealand Certificate in Resource Recovery will operate as Supervisors. The South African qualification is aimed at school leavers and qualifying learners from TVET Colleges as well as persons currently employed in facilities, whereas the New Zealand Certificate in Resource Recovery focuses on persons employed at supervisory levels. The Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller includes modules on soft skills which is not the case with the New Zealand Certificate.

Conclusion:
The Occupational Certificate: E-Waste Operations Controller compares favourably to qualifications and courses that are offered in the countries compared to.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision, NQF Level 4.

Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: Environmental Management, NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

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 a statement of results and a record of completed work experience.

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 are: E-Waste Operations Controller: 311906-001-00-00.

Encompassed Trades:

This is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner:

MICT SETA.

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