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: 

Diploma in Information and Communication Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125264  Diploma in Information and Communication Technology 
ORIGINATOR
TSIBA Education NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0637/26  2026-01-30  2029-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30   2035-01-30  

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 Diploma in Information and Communication Technology aims to produce qualifying learners with the requisite technical and management competencies to oversee ICT-related operations and projects across various organisational settings effectively. The qualification aims to equip learners with practical skills and knowledge in areas such as business analysis, systems analysis, software development, database management, networking, and emerging technologies, while also developing their understanding of the broader social, ethical, and legal issues related to ICT in business.

The qualifying learners can follow a career in:
  • Software developer.
  • Programmer.
  • Web designer.
  • Systems analyst.
  • Business analyst.
  • Data analyst.
  • Database administrator.
  • Network technician.
  • IT support specialist.
  • Tech Entrepreneur.

    The qualification also aims to develop qualified learners with effective communication and problem-solving skills, enabling them to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the success of businesses in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Holders of the qualification will be able to progress into higher and more specialised qualifications in information and communication technologies.

    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of principles underpinning the functional effectiveness of information and communication technologies in diverse organisational contexts.
  • Analyse efficiently complex business/organisational problems and motivate feasible and sustainable ICT-based solutions.
  • Contribute to the design, development, implementation and evaluation of ICT-based solutions as enablers of organisational performance.
  • Lead small ICT-based projects or contribute effectively to the management of complex ICT projects.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be predisposed to creating or developing ICT-based entrepreneurial businesses as enablers of economic growth.

    Rationale
    The purpose of introducing the qualification is based on the growing demand for professionals with ICT skills, which can meet the needs of various stakeholders, including learners, industry partners, and the wider community in South Africa and the world.

    The demand for professionals with ICT skills is increasing due to technological advancements. The qualification is aimed at a diverse range of learners interested in pursuing careers in various areas of information technology, such as business analysis, systems analysis, software development, business informatics, emerging technologies and communication technologies. The qualification will provide a comprehensive understanding of the technological landscape, allowing learners to stay ahead of industry trends and remain competitive in the job market. Qualifying learners possessing relevant ICT skills will be valuable assets to industry partners, strengthening industry partnerships and enhancing research and development projects. The qualification will also provide access to ICT professionals to upskill or reskill to address technology-related needs within businesses and the community, as well as to stay competitive in the job market.

    The institution will continue to prioritise access for learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It is the institution's view that the competencies encompassed by the qualification hold the potential to solve problems that are immediately relevant to the communities' learners come from, thus unlocking opportunities for economic development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institutional policies and procedures for RPL are well documented in the institution's RPL Policy. The qualification recognises the importance of RPL, and this will be implemented as per the institution's policy document.

    RPL for Access:
  • RPL may be granted where candidates are required to submit a portfolio of evidence for non-formal or informal learning.
  • Only 10% of the relevant cohort can be granted access through RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with a diploma endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5 and 6, totalling 381 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 186 Credits.
  • IT for Business, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Quantitative Modeling, 15 Credits.
  • Programming Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
  • Network and Desktop Support, 15 Credits.
  • Personal Development and Leadership, 12 Credits.
  • Human-Computer Interaction, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting Software Application, 15 Credits.
  • Software Development, 15 Credits.
  • Web Development, 15 Credits.
  • Emerging Technologies, 12 Credits.
  • Software Development, 15 Credits.
  • Communication Networks, 12 Credits.
  • Database Management, 12 Credits.
  • Operating Systems Essentials, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 195 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis and Design,12 Credits.
  • Software Development, 15 Credits.
  • Web Development, 15 Credits.
  • Communication Networks, 15 Credits.
  • ICT Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Software Development, 15 Credits.
  • E-Commerce Applications, 15 Credits.
  • Python for Data Science, 15 Credits.
  • ICT in Society, 12 Credits.
  • Internship and Industry Immersion, 30 Credits.
  • Technopreneurship, 12 Credits.
  • ICT Project, 12 Credits.
  • Software Development, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of principles underpinning the functional effectiveness of information and communication technologies in diverse organisational contexts.
    2. Analyse efficiently complex business/organisational problems and motivate feasible and sustainable ICT-based solutions.
    3. Contribute to the design, development, implementation and evaluation of ICT-based solutions as enablers of organisational performance.
    4. Lead small ICT-based projects or contribute effectively to the management of complex ICT projects.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to be predisposed to creating or developing ICT-based entrepreneurial businesses as enablers of economic growth.
    6. Defend the role of information and communication technologies in solving business and societal problems with professional and ethical responsibility.
    7. Communicate issues impacting ICT problems and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Select and apply basic principles, constructs, concepts, models and theories impacting the design, development and evaluation of ICT solutions.
    2. Identify the root causes of common ICT failures and motivate efficient and effective solutions.
    3. Conceptualise, design and develop functional software and distribute solutions using selected programming languages and development tools in integrated ways.
    4. Apply relevant project management paradigms, principles, tools and techniques in the management of ICT projects both in simulated and real-life contexts.
    5. Translate and communicate ICT issues, challenges and solutions in ways that are accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.
    6. Apply a wide range of management theories in interpreting ICT-based problems and solutions and demonstrate an awareness of the management implications of ICT solutions.
    7. Analyse the ethical, social and environmental implications of ICT solutions to balance the technical and economic imperatives.
    8. Identify and motivate opportunities and mechanisms for creating and growing successful ICT-based businesses.

    Inegrated Assessment
    The institution has an Assessment Policy document in place, which the qualification assessment strategy will align with. The current strategy privileges integrated assessments with a 40% contribution of formative assessment and 60% weighting of summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
    May include, but not limited to:
  • Research.
  • Case-based assignments.
  • Presentations.
  • Practical projects.
  • Experiential learning reports.
  • Learners' logbooks.

    Summative Assessment:
    May include, but not limited to:
  • Written tests .
  • Examinations.

    The assessment methods used for both formative and summative assessments will vary across modules. Within each module, the choice of assessment instruments is guided by the module outcomes, which in turn support the exit level outcomes. The assessment choices explicitly aim to ensure a good balance between assessing conceptual competencies as well as applications in both familiar and novel contexts. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: The Open University
    Qualification title: Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT
    Duration: Two (2) years full-time
    Credits: 240

    Purpose:
    This qualification seeks to equip learners with practical skills in programming, systems, and data management while understanding the concepts that power today's technology-driven world. Alongside technical expertise, learners will develop problem-solving, analytical thinking, and digital literacy skills that employers highly value. Whether an individual is looking to start a career in IT or continue to further study, this diploma equips them with the foundation to thrive in an ever-evolving digital society.

    Qualification structure:
  • Introduction to computing and information technology, 30 Credits.
  • Technologies in practice, 30 Credits.
  • Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1, 30 Credits.
  • Communication and information technologies, 30 Credits.
  • Object-oriented Java programming, 30 Credits.
  • Algorithms, data structures and computability, 30 Credits.
  • Managing IT: the why, the what and the how, 30 Credits.
  • Object-oriented Java programming, 30 Credits.
  • Object-oriented Java programming, 30 Credits.
  • Web technologies, 30 Credits.

    Electives:
  • Discovering mathematics, 30 Credits.
  • Essential mathematics, 30 Credits.
  • Algorithms, data structures and computability, 30 Credits.
  • Change, strategy and projects at work, 30 Credits.
  • Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1, 30 Credits.
  • Communication and information technologies, 30 Credits.
  • Cyber security, 30 Credits.
  • Managing IT: the why, the what and the how, 30 Credits.
  • Object-oriented Java programming, 30 Credits.
  • Web technologies, 30 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The Open University (OU) and the South African (SA) qualifications have a broad focus, including software development, web development, networking and communications.
  • Both qualifications are on the same NQF Level 6.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has a duration of one year full-time, while the OU qualification is offered in two years full-time.
  • The OU qualification consists of 240 credits, while the SA qualification has 381 credits.
  • The SA qualification has no electives, while the OU qualification has elective modules.

    Country: Malaysia
    Institution name: INTI International Universities
    Qualification title: Diploma in Information Technology
    Duration: Two (2) years Full-time.
    Credits: 240

    Entry requirements:
    International Baccalaureate (IB) (12 years to 13 years of schooling).

    Purpose:
    This qualification prepares learners with a thorough understanding of the principles, theories and current practices in the Information Technology field. Learners will get a strong foundation, allowing them to experience the process of software development and explore the rapid development of information and networking technologies.

    Qualification structure:
  • Programme structure.
  • Cloud Computing Fundamentals I.
  • Computer Architecture.
  • Computer Ethics.
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
  • Capstone Project.
  • Database Management.
  • Discrete Mathematics.
  • Fundamentals of Mathematics.
  • Fundamentals of Networking.
  • Introduction to Internet Technologies.
  • Object Oriented Programming.
  • Operating Systems.
  • Programming Fundamentals.
  • Quantitative Methods.
  • Rapid Application Development.
  • System Analysis and Design.
  • User Experience (UX) Design.

    Similarities:
  • Both the INTI International University (IUU) and South African (SA) qualifications aim to develop a broad range of IT skills in business analysis, programming, network technology, and database administration.
  • Both qualifications have similar modules, like the Data Management module.
  • Both qualifications have compulsory modules.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification has a duration of one year full-time, while the IUU qualification is offered in two years full-time.
  • The IUU qualification consists of 240 credits, while the SA qualification has 381 credits.
  • The SA qualification consists of 26 compulsory modules, while the IUU qualification has 18 compulsory modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following articulation options.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Information Technology Governance, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Data Security Practitioner, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Communication Networks, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Information and Communication Technology: Business Development Consultant, NQF Level 5.
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Practitioner, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Chief Information Officer: Cybersecurity, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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. TSIBA Education NPC 


    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.