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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120886  Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate 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
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0816/23  2023-05-30  2026-05-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-05-30   2030-05-30  

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 the Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance qualification is to cultivate understanding, implementation, and interpretation of the critical role of corporate governance in business sustainability and economic growth. This qualification will equip learners with a comprehensive approach to governance in institutions. Learners will be equipped to understand complex corporate governance challenges and develop practical solutions to governance problems.

This qualification has a special focus on internal corporate governance and internal corporate governance mechanisms. These mechanisms are utilised by shareholders to mitigate the conflict between managers and shareholders such that firm value is maximised. It focuses on both policy and strategic challenges of managers working with Boards or dealing with governance issues as well as Directors within private and government entities. It aims to equip learners with and enhance their skills in practising corporate governance in their places of work. In so doing, this qualification provides an important basis for developing a cadre of highly sought-after corporate governance professionals.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply best practice principles in public and private sector governance and leadership.
  • Apply best practice in strategy development aimed at risk and stakeholder management.
  • Take a critical stance on the philosophical foundations of ethics, make ethical decisions in business cases, and strategically resolve ethical dilemmas.
  • Examine the notion of governance and the numerous associated concepts, including the Code of Corporate Governance (King) Report.
  • Appraise the compliance framework of the King Report.

    This qualification will prepare learners to take on governance-related positions in their communities and organizations such as government departments, international agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and private sector entities.

    Rationale:
    The use of corporate governance in the workplace is often impeded, but it nevertheless is being used in large organisations (Hove-Sibanda et al., 2017). This could be attributed to a lack of understanding of corporate governance as a field but, with formal training, corporate governance can play an important role in unlocking the true value of an organisation regardless of its size. A broad-based holistic approach to corporate governance education will contribute to the development of not only highly skilled individuals to champion corporate governance efforts, but also responsible and effective leaders in institutions, the local community, and the globe at large.

    This qualification will develop capacity in corporate governance which will contribute to the good governance of institutions. Corporate governance education is essential in addressing the relationships between corporations, their stakeholders, and the societies in which they function as they are complex and ever-changing.

    This qualification targets working professionals with various levels of managerial responsibility in South Africa and the rest of the continent, who will all benefit from this qualification. The holistic approach of this qualification enables learners to emerge from a wide range of professional fields.

    The qualification is a learning pathway for working professionals in possession of a
    Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification registered on Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It presents opportunities for learners aspiring to elevate their portfolio of governance responsibility in their places of work and opportunities for those who would like to transition from one discipline (especially those that are technical) to another (especially those that are managerial). Learners who successfully complete the qualification may be eligible for acceptance into Master's Degree study in South Africa or elsewhere.

    While equipping learners with sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of Corporate Governance, this qualification is concerned with the inculcation of values around ethics, morality, and responsible conduct in the world of work and society in general. This is of benefit to the socio-economic sphere as these values are essential in preventing the unnecessary collapse of employing institutions resulting in job creation and predictable returns on investment. The knowledge and skills developed upon successful completion of this qualification support government policy development and implementation efforts and, as such, address many of society's problems.

    This qualification helps in the achievement of the objectives of the NQF by facilitating access to quality education, training, and career paths. It also contributes to the personal development of learners and the social and economic development of the nation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management, NQF level 07.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Technology: Nature Conservation, NQF Level 07. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits:
  • Corporate Governance, 20 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance and Law, 20 Credits.
  • Ethical Business Decision Making, 20 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 20 Credits.
  • Integrated Financial Reporting and Auditing, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply best practice principles in public and private sector governance and leadership.
    2. Apply best practice in strategy development aimed at risk and stakeholder management.
    3. Take a critical stance on the philosophical foundations of ethics, make ethical decisions in business cases, and strategically resolve ethical dilemmas.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to examine the notion of governance and the numerous associated concepts, including the Code of Corporate Governance (King) Report.
    5. Appraise the compliance framework of the King Report.
    6. Characterize the relationship between Corporate Governance and legislation.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to describe the relationship between corporate governance and board matters.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to categorize the functions of audit committees and critically evaluate internal audit and company reports.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the application of the recommendations on transparency,
    accountability, and financial sustainability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the principles of Corporate Governance.
  • Generate and evaluate points of view on corporate governance.
  • Describe the requirements of the recent King Code on Corporate Governance in aspects of corporate governance.
  • Explain the dynamic nature of leadership.
  • Critically evaluate the integration of individual leadership and leadership teams.
  • Analyse the relevance of Boards of Directors' leadership as regards the future of the economy.
  • Identify the relevance of Boards of Directors' leadership to increased ethical (value-based) future business practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify key performance indicators in the stakeholder disclosure process.
  • Discuss the importance of internal controls.
  • Explain the difference between risk governance and risk management.
  • Critically evaluate the risk management process.
  • Analyze the business rescue process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Compare and contrast global value systems to the value systems in South Africa.
  • Explore the fairness of the organisational choice of the economic system and the ethical merit of the key elements of the macro-ethics system.
  • Implement the Rational Interaction for Moral Sensitivity (RIMS) strategy for resolving ethical dilemmas.
  • Critically evaluate the philosophical foundations of ethics.
  • Apply the four steps of ethical decision-making to business cases.
  • Manage an ethical scenario by determining ethical risk; codifying ethical standards; developing a plan for institutionalizing ethics; reporting and disclosing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyze corporate governance issues in company reports.
  • Analyze the corporate governance scoreboard. Understand the terms of reference of a social and ethics committee.
  • Align the Companies Act and the King III report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Elaborate on the relationship between corporate governance and the law.
  • Assess the Code of Corporate Governance in South Africa.
  • Examine the key aspects and values of the most recent King Report as well as new developments in this regard.
  • Apply the most recent King principles of Corporate Governance to a prescribed case study or work situation.
  • Evaluate the business environment, business performance, survival, and success as well as business opportunities in prescribed case studies.
  • Examine corporate control, shareholder engagement and activism.
  • Design a model for sound Corporate Governance practice and develop an implementation plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the relationship between Corporate Governance and legislation.
  • Formulate a viewpoint on Corporate Governance and evaluate alternative viewpoints.
  • Discuss the integration of Corporate Governance with law.
  • Compare and contrast governance in the public sector and not-for-profit sectors.
  • Make a case for governance in small and medium entities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Explain the power of the Board.
  • Identify the components of a good Board.
  • Analyze the conduct of the Board. Evaluate the conduct of Directors.
  • Critically evaluate the composition of the Board.
  • Develop a checklist to assess accountability, independence, and remuneration of the Board according to the recommendation of the most recent King Code in Corporate Governance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain the functions of audit committees.
  • Critically evaluate internal audit processes.
  • Analyze the various forms of assurance in company reports.
  • Identify challenges in external audit processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify the costs of Corporate Social Responsibility.
  • Critically evaluate the application of the King recommendations on transparency and accountability.
  • Analyse financial statements.
  • Explain issues in financial sustainability. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Mauritius
    Institution: Open University of Mauritius (OUM)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance
    Duration: Six months to two years maximum
    NQF Level: Mauritian Qualifications Framework (MQF) Level 9
    Credits: 60 ECTS.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The aim of the Diploma in Corporate Governance is to uphold the level of competence for
    directorship in three main areas: governance, strategy, and ethics and to aspire the participants to become eligible for the Chartered Director programme.

    The qualification is designed to meet the development needs of existing members and advisors to the Board of Directors that have completed the Postgraduate Certificate programme.

    Entry requirements:
  • A person may normally be admitted as a learner for a Postgraduate Programme if he/she
    is a recognised graduate who has attained a standard at least equivalent to that of a Bachelor's Degree with at least second class in a subject related to that of the proposed programme of study accepted by the Academic Council.
    Or
  • Has passed an examination including a professional qualification in such a subject at a standard equivalent to year three or equivalent to a Bachelor's.

    Modules:
  • Risk Management and Ethics compares with Risk Management.
  • Leading Strategic Change.
  • Intricacies and Challenges of the Board.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply the appropriate business strategy to gain a competitive advantage.
  • Transform the workplace into a more effective and efficient organisation.
  • Take decisions after evaluation of business processes.
  • Being proactive in complex and adverse corporate situations.
  • Being responsive to the global business environment and adapt accordingly.
  • Develop innovative HR strategies to promote a board's effectiveness.

    Assessment:
    The qualification comprises of modular-based assessment, comprising three components. The assessment will consist of some Case Study Analyses that will assess the learning outcomes of all the module units within the qualification. The assessment will count for 100% of the final grade for the qualification. The assessment will take place at the end of the term when participants will have completed all module units of the Certificate.
    Learners will have one face-to-face session and five weeks of independent study time to prepare for the Case Studies Analyses. The actual assessment will take place in a controlled environment.

    An assessment blueprint with detailed instructions and marking criteria will be provided to participants at the beginning of the course and a Case Study Analysis briefing will be provided during the last intensive face-to-face session.
    Feedback comprises the participant's formal feedback but also, and more importantly, includes the tutor/supervisor's regular verbal and written advice about the work throughout the duration of the programme.
    Articulation:
  • Master's degree in a cognate field.

    Similarities
  • The Open University of Mauritius (OUM) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Bachelor's degree.
  • Both OUM and SA qualifications offer similar modules such as Risk Management and Ethics.
  • Both OUM and SA share similar a purpose/rationale and exit-level outcomes in which they encourage learners to be proactive and responsive to the global business environment and adapt accordingly.
  • Both OUM and SA qualifications assess learners through assignments, and case studies and provide face-to-face feedback to learners.
  • Both OUM and SA qualifications progress to a Master's degree.

    Differences:
  • The OUM qualification is at MQA NQF level 9, while the SA qualification is at NQF Level 8.
  • The OUM qualification is offered for a period of six months to two years maximum, while the SA qualifications are offered for a period of one- year full-time.
  • The OUM qualification has 60 Credits, while the SA qualification has 120 credits.

    Country: Hong Kong
    Institution: Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU)
    Qualification Title: Master of Corporate Governance
    Credits: 60

    Purpose/rationale
    This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive survey and exploration of the theories and practices underpinning the good governance of business and non-business entities, as well as of the Hong Kong statutory provisions and practices governing the work of company secretaries. The degree is suitable for managerial and professional personnel working in commerce, statutory boards, and government departments, and is designed to develop executives into well-rounded corporate leaders.

    Entry requirements
  • A recognized degree in a business-related area (or its equivalent).
    Or
  • A recognized degree in a non-business area (or its equivalent), plus at least three years of supervisory or managerial experience.

    Modules
  • Financial Accounting and Taxation, 10 Credits.
  • Corporate Secretaryship and Compliance, 10 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance, 10 Credits compares with Corporate Governance.
  • Corporate Finance and Risk Management, 10 Credits compares with Risk Management.
  • Hong Kong Corporate Law, 10 Credits compares with Corporate Governance and Law.
  • Strategic Management, 10 Credits.

    Exit Level Outcome
  • Critically analyse and apply the concepts of business and professional integrity in a broad range of company secretarial practices, including the area of professional ethics.
  • Appraise and exercise appropriate judgement to resolve governance and compliance problems in relation to business and non-business corporations.
  • Apply the concepts, and legal principles including compliance with internal and external regulations, and the best practices for efficient and effective corporate governance.
  • Communicate effectively as a business executive with people from diverse backgrounds in the context of corporate governance.

    Similarities
  • The Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed Bachelor's degree.
  • Both HKMU and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Corporate Governance, Corporate Governance and Law and Risk Management.
  • Both HKMU and SA qualifications share a similar purpose/rationale in which the aim focuses on theories and practices underpinning the good governance of business and non-business entities.

    Difference
  • The HKMU qualifications offer 60 credits, while the SA qualification offers 120 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    ARTICULATION OPTIONS
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Management and Labour Studies, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Project Leadership and Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce: Project Leadership and Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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 


    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.