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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Digital Retail Entrepreneurship 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124790  Higher Certificate in Digital Retail Entrepreneurship 
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
Higher Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
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 0434/25  2025-08-21  2028-08-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-08-21   2032-08-21  

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 Higher Certificate in Digital Retail Entrepreneurship is to equip qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to establish, manage, and expand an entrepreneurial start-up within the dynamic and rapidly changing realm of digital retail. By obtaining this qualification, qualifying learners will have the opportunity to generate income independent of, or concurrent to, the traditional employment landscape while also creating future employment prospects within the retail and online business sectors.

This qualification emphasises the cultivation of an entrepreneurial mindset, which includes a range of essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, business management, marketing, and financial management. These competencies are crucial for achieving success in the digital retail industry, where innovation and agility play vital roles.

The learner will be responsible for creating a foundational strategy to meet consumer needs, devising a plan for a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up, and leveraging digital retail technologies. In addition, learners will need to demonstrate comprehension of fundamental accounting and financial management principles specific to digital retail entrepreneurship, along with the creation of a rudimentary project and marketing plan employing suitable technological, methodological, and tactical approaches.

Upon completion of this qualification, a qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply an entrepreneurial skillset and develop a basic project plan for a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyse problems, think critically, and apply innovative solutions to a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
  • Apply foundational financial and accounting skills to a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop a basic yet effective marketing plan for a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.

    Rationale:
    The arrival of the digital age has brought about profound transformations in consumer behaviour and the way businesses operate, along with significant proliferation in the way in which people purchase products and interact with businesses. The rise of e-commerce and digital marketing has made it increasingly vital for entrepreneurs to possess a comprehensive understanding of digital retail and how it can be utilised effectively to initiate or expand their enterprises. Digital entrepreneurship has become significant across various industries, due to rapid global and local technological advancements, coupled with customers' growing inclination towards self-service. Digital retail entrepreneurial initiatives have also emerged as important avenues to address unemployment, a pressing concern for South Africa.
    The qualification is aligned with the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) in several key ways. The NDP aims to foster economic growth, reduce unemployment, and establish sustainable job opportunities. By nurturing entrepreneurship, this qualification aims to contribute to job creation and economic development. The NDP recognises the pivotal role of the digital economy in driving innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

    The qualification also emphasises the digital aspects of retail, to equip learners with the skills to navigate the digital landscape and harness digital technologies for business expansion, which aligns with the NDP's objective of advancing the digital economy and promoting digital literacy. The NDP underscores the importance of addressing skills shortages and enhancing the country's human capital. The qualification will address this by imparting practical skills in areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce management, and business planning. These proficiencies are in high demand within the evolving digital economy and contribute to building a skilled workforce. The qualification incorporates basic elements of innovation and research, potentially inspiring learners to develop creative and sustainable solutions for the digital retail sector, which aligns with the NDP's goal of fostering innovation and research as drivers of economic and social development.
    This qualification provides an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire practical skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship. This is in line with higher education transformation in South Africa, which seeks to promote equity, access, and inclusivity. These skills and knowledge will empower individuals and communities by enabling them to participate in the digital retail sector, thereby facilitating economic transformation.

    Digital entrepreneurship qualifications focused on digital entrepreneurship principles are gaining prominence as future-oriented qualifications internationally. However, these qualifications have yet to be fully embedded into the South African educational landscape. The qualification fills this gap by equipping qualifying learners with the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to establish, manage, and expand a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up. Qualifying learners will be able to apply their academic knowledge to solve fundamental digitally focused entrepreneurial challenges, implementing digital business marketing concepts through technology, and executing customer service approaches within the realm of digital retail entrepreneurial start-ups or web-based retail concepts.

    This qualification will be accessible to both school-leavers and more developed markets, offering transferable skills that are applicable to real-world employability, entrepreneurship, and business leadership. The qualification will specifically focus on engaging with the youth population, aiming to contribute positively towards addressing the persistently high youth unemployment rate in South Africa. By empowering the youth through this qualification, the institution seeks to enable them to play an active role in creating sustainable employment opportunities. The qualification also paves the way for progression into a related undergraduate qualification, enabling qualifying learners to further their knowledge and skills in the field.

    Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate:
  • Digital marketer.
  • Digital retail sales.
  • Retail sales.
  • E-commerce sales.
  • Administration and logistics.
  • Customer service.
  • Visual merchandiser.
  • Buyer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution subscribes to the principles as outlined in the CHE Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in higher education, as well as the SAQA National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL can be used to give a learner access to a qualification if they have the required prior qualification, but not at the performance level normally required.
  • RPL can be used to give a candidate admission to a qualification without having completed a qualification normally required at a lower level.
  • Only 10% of any cohort can be admitted through RPL.
  • RPL is applied to formal, informal, and non-formal learning achieved through any means other than formal study towards a recognised qualification or part of a recognised qualification, which is normally recognised through a process of Credit Accumulation and Transfer.
  • Assessments for RPL are carried out by subject matter experts and are normally against the conventional entry requirements or assumptions about learning associated with entry requirements for a qualification.
  • RPL lends itself to an integrated form of assessment. As the learning is normally not gained entirely through a formal process, it is often something the candidate is best able to present in an integrated manner through the presentation of evidence (often from their work environment) and/or the completion of a task or tasks that will enable demonstration of the required competences.

    RPL for credits:
  • Credits towards a qualification are not awarded by RPL but can be achieved through the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Process.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits
  • Introduction to Digital Retail Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Retail Management, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Digital and Academic Literacies, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Digital Retail Technologies, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Digital Marketing for Retail Services, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Financial Management and Accounting for Entrepreneurs, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Project Management for Digital Retail Entrepreneurs, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning for Digital Retail Entrepreneurs, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and assess consumer demands in the digital retail environment, and formulate a basic plan to address these demands, needs and requirements.
    2. Apply foundational knowledge and an entrepreneurial skillset to identify and plan a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic accounting and financial management principles and concepts within a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
    4. Apply appropriate marketing technologies, tools, methods, and techniques to develop a basic marketing plan for a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
    5. Utilise digital retail technologies and platforms to establish and manage a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct basic market research to identify consumer demands, needs, desires, preferences, and buying behaviour in the digital retail market.
  • Assess consumer demands and requirements and propose solutions that meet their needs using a digital entrepreneurial venture.
  • Develop a customer journey map that illustrates how the digital entrepreneurial venture addresses the needs of the consumers at every stage of the customer journey.
  • Apply critical thinking and basic problem-solving techniques to innovate in identifying viable business opportunities in the digital retail sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Develop a basic business plan for a digital retail entrepreneurial start-up that demonstrates an understanding of the target market, value proposition, revenue model, and competitive landscape.
  • Motivate the chosen business idea by using the market research conducted.
  • Identify, recommend, and motivate the resources required for the start-up and undertake a detailed risk analysis for the business.
  • Refine the business plan for the digital retail entrepreneurial start-up using the principles of a lean start-up methodology.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the different steps in the project management process.
  • Draw up a basic implementation project plan for the chosen digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understand and apply basic financial management principles, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial analysis, to the digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
  • Monitor and analyse financial performance indicators, such as revenue, expenses, and profitability.
  • Implement basic financial management principles to enhance the financial performance of the digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Utilise marketing technologies, tools, and techniques to conduct market research and identify target markets for the digital retail entrepreneurial start-up.
  • Develop and implement a basic marketing plan that includes target audience identification, marketing objectives, and marketing tactics, using appropriate marketing channels and digital technologies.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and channels using relevant metrics and adjust the marketing plan accordingly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate basic proficiencies in using digital retail technologies, e-commerce platforms, and online business management tools.
  • Establish an online presence for the established digital retail entrepreneurial start-up, using appropriate tools and technologies.
  • Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of the implementation of digital retail strategies and technologies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Canada
    Institution: Edwards School of Business (ESB)
    Qualification title: Certificate in Entrepreneurship
    Duration: 8 months
    Credits: 102

    Entry requirements:
  • Grade 12 standing or equivalent.
  • Less than 18 credit units of transferable post-secondary courses.
  • Minimum average of 70% of five subjects, high school average.
  • Proficiency in English.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of the Certificate in Entrepreneurship is to produce innovative thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and leaders within a team. It is designed to enable learners to expand their knowledge of accounting, human resources, marketing, and concepts commonly encountered in business while developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Qualifying learners will be prepared with the knowledge and skills to participate in or start a new venture.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Understand basic business principles.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively contribute to team performance.
  • Demonstrate the ability to incorporate ethical considerations into decision-making and intended actions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be entrepreneurial thinkers.
  • Prepare a business plan for a new venture.

    Qualification structure Modules:
    Compulsory modules:
  • Introduction to Business.
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting.
  • Introduction to Marketing.
  • Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation; OR Technology Commercialisation.
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship.

    Electives:
  • Foundations of Business Statistics.
  • Introduction to Organisational Behaviour.
  • Introduction to Finance.
  • Introduction to Operations Management.
  • Introduction to Management Accounting.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Personal Financial Management.
  • Marketing Strategy.

    Similarities:
  • The Edwards School of Business (ESB) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed high school.
  • The ESB and the SA qualifications share similar modules that cover the financial aspects of the retail industry, such as Introduction to Financial Management and Accounting and Introduction to Financial Accounting.
  • Both qualifications aim to equip learners with the skills to establish businesses.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification consists of 120 credits and 8 modules, whereas the ESB qualification consists of 102 credits and 13 modules.
  • The SA qualification is offered on a 1-year full-time study, whereas the ESB qualification is for 8 months.
  • The SA qualification focuses on digital retail entrepreneurship, whereas the ESB qualification focuses on general entrepreneurship.

    Country: USA
    Institution: Community College of Allegheny (CCAC)
    Qualification title: Certificate in Entrepreneurship.
    Duration: 1 year of full-time study.
    Credits: 18

    Entry requirements:
  • High school diploma (Equivalent to SA's Grade 12).
    Or
  • A General Education Development (GED) certificate (Equivalent to SA's Senior Certificate).
    Or
  • 18 years of age or older with reasonably equivalent experience.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to help learners develop an understanding of how to create and sustain a small business. The certificate focuses on providing the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur. Learners who successfully complete the qualification will have created a business plan, understand how to find initial funding for that plan and be prepared to manage and market the small business.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Create a business venture through an effective business plan, vision and mission statement and a strategic plan.
  • Analyse available options to acquire the necessary financial resources for the launch of the venture, through banks and other methods such as venture capitalists and investors.
  • Apply research methods that will enhance the graduates' ability to effectively identify and understand their target audience.
  • Create effective communication methods with their target audience through the use of marketing, public relations, and social media.
  • Apply problem-solving skills through analysis and critical thinking so that they can adapt to changes (economically, politically, and socially) in the local and global environment.

    Qualification Structure Modules:
    Compulsory modules:
  • Principles of Marketing.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Internet Marketing.
  • Small Business Management.

    Electives:
  • Introduction to E-Commerce.
  • Business Law 1.
  • Business Elective.

    Similarities:
  • The Community College of Allegheny (CCAC) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed high school or are in possession of a Senior Certificate.
  • The CCAC and the SA qualifications aim to equip learners with an entrepreneurial mindset and similar skills such as problem-solving and communication.
  • The CCAC and the SA qualifications are offered on a one-year full-time basis.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification consists of 120 credits, whereas the CCAC qualification consists of only 18 credits.
  • The SA qualification entails a work-integrated module that exposes learners to practical experience in a practical work setting, whereas the CCAC focuses only on formal academic learning. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides for the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5
  • Occupational Certificate: Retail Buyer, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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.