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: 

Higher Certificate in Public Administration and Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123443  Higher Certificate in Public Administration and Management 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (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 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

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 Higher Certificate in Public Administration and Management qualification is designed with a specific focus on influencing learners' knowledge and approaches in the domain of public service policy development and implementation via service delivery in South Africa.

In addition, this qualification also provides for a module on enterprise risk management that entails, among others, the devolvement of risk management from top to lower levels of operations that will enable employees to individually identify operational risks at their initial stages and to mitigate such risks. This practice will lead to integrating enterprise risks with core business processes that will enhance the potential for public service employees and managers to achieve strategically set business process outcomes.

This qualification also focuses not only on the principles of public management but also on the principles of public financial management to enhance the holistic development of public servants. The purpose of the module on public finance management is to equip learners with critical important applied knowledge on financial aspects of among others, the theory of public financial management, financial infrastructure, the public financial legislative framework, budgeting, and expenditure as well as financial accountability. Learners are also presented with the development of some twelve different and important soft skills for personal and employment success.

Upon completion of this qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate evidence of conceptual and applied knowledge of related contemporary fundamental principles, and key terms in the field of public administration and management.
  • Demonstrate the awareness and ability to discern, evaluate and interpret appropriate strategies and principles that would contribute to effective and efficient public administrative and management practices in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate the understanding and awareness of typical characteristics and challenges within the national public sector environment of service delivery and policy application with specific reference to the relevance of successfully establishing South Africa as a democratic developmental state for enhanced economic development.
  • Demonstrate the analytical ability to identify signs of problems occurring in the context of the public sector service delivery and related managerial actions to identify the fundamental actual sources causing the problems for effective remedial action.
  • Demonstrate the ability to highlight the nature and importance of ethics in public administration and management, and how to maintain ethical conduct in public service.

    Rationale:
    The academic and political domains of public administration and management in Southern Africa, and specifically South Africa, have become acutely aware of the construct of the democratic developmental state and the quintessential features of autonomy and accountability; growth and redistribution; consensus and inclusiveness that such states, in especially East Asian countries, portrayed after decolonisation.

    A successful democratic developmental state requires political will, long-term vision and a determination by the country's political elite to drive a broad-based and inclusive industrialisation and development project.
    It is further stated that the ideals of the democratic developmental state are also embedded in the mandate of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), which is at the centre of Government.
    Considering the above, contemporary approaches to practices in public administration and service delivery, the rationale of the qualification, Higher Certificate in Public Administration and Management can be explained, among others, to present:
  • contemporary public service theory to the domain of public service, and
  • promoting meaningful delegations of authority and ensuring accountability in the public service, and
  • promoting public service as a career of choice, ensuring efficient and effective management and operations systems in the public service, and increasing the responsiveness of public servants. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The College's RPL policy makes provision for all three formats of RPL, namely, RPL for Alternative Access, RPL for exemptions and for Advanced Standing. The sources for the College's RPL Policy are SAQ's and CHE's RPL Policies, respectively.

    Three different formats of RPL will be applied:
    RPL for Alternative Access:
    This assessment process is based on a Portfolio of Learning (POL). POL is a compilation made by the candidate on pre-selected competencies, which are set against learning outcomes of the qualification preceding the qualification the candidate wishes to be measured against. The assessment for this format of RPL is available to candidates on an online facility available at the Campus of the College or from any other online source via the Internet.

    RPL for credit of exemption purposes:
    This process is based on measuring applied competencies against curriculum-related learning outcomes.

    RPL for Advanced Standing:
    This process is based on a similar process that features in RPL for credit awarding.
    The above-mentioned processes are all compliant with National criteria on RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer of Credits as promulgated by SAQA and the CHE.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement for Higher Certificate studies
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, minimum endorsement for Higher Certificate
    Or
  • Non-traditional applicants may gain admission via RPL for Alternative Access assessment
    And
  • Non-traditional applicants may gain admission via Senate discretionary admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 125 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 125 Credits
  • Democratic Developmental States in Southern Africa, 10 Credits.
  • Developing soft skills for success, 10 Credits.
  • Enterprise Risk Management, 15 Credits.
  • Public Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Public Finance 101, 15 Credits.
  • Public Finance 102, 15 Credits.
  • Public Management 101, 15 Credits.
  • Public Management 102, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate evidence of conceptual and applied knowledge of related contemporary fundamental principles and key terms in the field of public administration and management.
    2. Demonstrate the awareness and ability to discern, evaluate and interpret appropriate strategies and principles that would contribute to effective and efficient public administrative and management practices in South Africa.
    3. Demonstrate the understanding and awareness of typical characteristics and challenges within the national public sector environment of service delivery and policy application with specific reference to the relevance of successfully establishing South Africa as a democratic developmental state for enhanced economic development.
    4. Demonstrate the analytical ability to identify signs of problems occurring in the context of the public sector's service delivery and related managerial actions to identify the fundamental actual sources causing the problems for effective remedial action.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to highlight the nature and importance of ethics in public administration and management, and how to maintain ethical conduct in public service delivery and management.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge to interpret and coordinate guidance on public services delivery related knowledge of the content of various legislative directives relating to data, information, information management, and knowledge management, as well as administrative law.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to communicate related legislative, administrative and strategic information, reliably and accurately to public administrative officials and teams as well as to senior management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Identify, describe and explain the core values, origin and history of the scientific study underlying public administration and management.
  • Identify, describe and explain the concept of a state, the three dimensions of a state, and the international and national influences that may have an effect on these dimensions.
  • Define and contextualise the key elements of democracy in the South African milieu.
  • Describe and explain the legislation that guides South African public officials to serve in a democracy and the required values, norms and principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Describe and explain the value of strategic planning approaches and management tools for public organisations.
  • Explain and categorise the different forms and applications of strategic management in government.
  • Define and apply the relationship between policy and planning, budgeting and implementation structures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Define and apply the key concepts, terms, techniques, processes, approaches, and frameworks concerning public policymaking in a public sector context.
  • Apply theory and practice in public policymaking.
  • Apply strategies to promote efficient and effective governance in the national, provincial, and local spheres of government under supervision.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Define and explain the public service environment including the institutional framework for public service delivery.
  • Explain the need for trust and professionalism in service delivery.
  • Describe and explain the place of information communication technologies in public service delivery.
  • Explain the concepts of electronic government, electronic and mobile governance.
  • Discuss and evaluate the application of ICTs by the South African government in service delivery.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Define and explain key concepts and accountability applicable to morality and the public interest.
  • Apply theories of ethics in life situations and the workplace. > Explain and apply the South African Constitution from an ethical point of view.
  • Manage information and discuss challenges relating to the implementation of e-government.
  • Identify and discuss the values and principles guiding public administration and management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Apply understanding of the public service delivery knowledge.
  • Describe data, information, information management and knowledge management knowledge to interpret and coordinate guidance on public service delivery.
  • Apply understanding of the required values, norms principles and legislation that guide South African public officials to serve in a democracy.
  • Explain the role of government in terms of financial legislation, policy and controls.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Apply basic communication principles and concepts of Professional and Business Communication to public administrative officials and teams as well as to senior management.
  • Apply principles and concepts of strategic information in a public sector environment.
  • Describe the various forms and media of communication.
  • Select appropriate media for the transfer of information, whilst under supervision.
  • Described various categories of barriers in communication.
  • Effectively apply verbal and written communication skills.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment approach followed with this qualification is aligned with the teaching and learning strategy of the College that is based on the taxonomy of learning of declarative (conceptual) knowledge and procedural knowledge (applied knowledge), respectively.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment will focus on the conceptual knowledge of learners provided by prescribed textbooks:

    Assessment will be based on the assessment of a portfolio of evidence (POE) in the format of either hard copy or electronic.
    Learners will be assessed on:
    Reports by learners on discussions with employees within the public sector on preferably middle or higher levels of management in functional areas relating to the themes A-E appearing in the Section of Content of Module

    The knowledge mix of the module refers to the two domains of learning which are declarative/conceptual and procedural/applied. The percentage breakdown is as follows:
    Declarative/conceptual: 50%
    Procedural/applied: 50%

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will assess the procedural knowledge of learners.
  • Assignments would represent integrative assessments during which learners are expected to express knowledge from multiple modules into a single assignment.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) represent pure applied knowledge.

    Monitoring
    Individual lecturers, assessors and programme co-ordinators are responsible for monitoring the progress of students and for introducing curriculum interventions to address challenges as and when these arise. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Kenya
    Institution name: The Maseno University
    Qualification title: Certificate in Public Administration
    Duration: One year
    Entry requirement:
  • KCSE: C+ Mean Grade or Grade C-

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This qualification introduces public administration and is offered over three semesters. The modules include the basic concepts of government, public financial administration and public personnel administration, public policy, ethics in public administration, local government and comparative civil service systems.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Introduction to Public Administration, comparable to Public Administration
  • Introduction to the Nature of Government
  • Introduction to public finance administration in Kenya, comparable to Public Finance
  • Public Personnel Administration
  • Public policy
  • Ethics in Public Administration
  • Local Government
  • Comparative Civil Service Systems

    Similarities:
  • The Maseno University (MU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year.
  • The SA qualification offers some similar modules in public administration, public finance and local government.
  • The MU qualification accepts learners who have completed a Kenyan Senior Certificate, similarly, the SA qualification accepts learners who have completed a Senior Certificate.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: The Victoria University of Wellington
    Qualification title: Certificate in E-Government Public Sector Reform and Good Governance
    Duration: Four months

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The overall goal is to focus on public sector reform and good governance with specific emphasis on how e-governance is a key platform for achieving this. Whilst regulatory frameworks, policies and practices are explored, it looks more at e-governance as a means of transformational governance.

    Exit outcomes:
  • Demonstrate understanding of how ICT-enabled public sector reform contributes to the requirements for achieving good governance.
  • Apply theories, principles, models and concepts for using transformational e-Government initiatives to establish good governance.
  • Apply e-Government knowledge, strategies, regulatory frameworks, policies and practice to ICT-enabled public sector reform and good governance.
  • Critically analyse good governance outcomes of ICT-enabled public sector reform internationally and in New Zealand.
  • Apply benefits realisation methods and techniques to e-Government initiatives in the context of establishing good governance.

    Similarities:
  • The Victoria University of Wellington (VU) and the South African (SA) qualifications offer public finance, local government and public management.
  • Further, the SA qualification provides management knowledge such as ERM, soft skills and WIL which are covered by VUW.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification covers similar content in public administration but does not focus on e-governance and public sector reform.
  • The VU qualification is offered over four months, whereas the SA qualification is offered over 12 months. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Accounts Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Front Office Administration, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business and Information Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Office Administration and Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Public Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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. Berea College of Technology (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.