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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Local Economic Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36438  National Certificate: Local Economic Development 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Economics 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
LG SETA - Local Government and related Services Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  142  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
121567  Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  230  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This Qualification has been designed as a Qualification for officials who are working in Local Economic Development at an operational management level. It takes some of the key aspects of Local Economic Development introduced at NQF Level 4 and requires their practical application in the Local Economic Development environment in general and own work context in particular.

It focuses on providing the learner with a range of processes that will ensure that Local Economic Development efforts bring about sustainable development.

The qualification provides a basis for progressing to a Qualification at NQF Level 6 and as such contributes to the development of the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values for a learner who wishes to progress along a career path in the sector of Local Economic Development.

The National Certificate in Local Economic Development: NQF Level 5 provides the second Qualification in the area of Local Economic Development. It provides knowledge of, and practical skills in, Local Economic Development as well as progress along a career path in Local economic development.

Rationale for the qualification

Local Economic Development is a process to secure greater local control over business enterprise, labour, capital and other resources. Local Economic Development strategy is based on the concept that economic activity can be used to improve the quality of life for all members of the community.

A Local Economic Development strategy should include economic aspects (growth in jobs, income, business activity, etc.), development (need for structural change, quality of development, etc.) and the needs of the local community (poverty reduction, satisfying basic human needs, integrated social and environmental objectives). Governance is another aspect of economic development that should be included in economic development strategies. Governance is seen as the capacity of institutions to manage and administer policy, processes and programmes that represent the broad interests of all individuals and groups involved while at the same time complying with ethical and legislative requirements.

This means that Local Economic Development cannot succeed if it is merely a once-off exercise of attracting a single development project for an area/community. Local Economic Development means having a clear Local Economic Development strategy that includes the reality of the marketplace, helps create a positive environment for economic activity, reflects the values of its citizens and complies with ethical and regulatory requirements.

Local Economic Development for each community is unique. It means understanding what the community is good at and what it has to offer, where the community`s weaknesses are, what outside threats and opportunities exist, and most importantly, what the community wants and needs. Success in Local Economic Development depends on creating markets that operate efficiently, but appropriately, within the local context.

Local government is involved in local business activities as suppliers of infrastructure, as tax collectors and regulators of land, buildings and permissions. A major challenge presently facing local authorities is the broadening of services to their communities and to provide a conducive environment for business development.

Local Economic Development (LED) is not a new concept in South Africa. Since the first democratic local government elections attention is focused on the role of local authorities as facilitators and implementers of LED. The role and functions of local government have changed considerably and local government has been given the task to drive the LED process. Local government officials are, however, not well equipped to deal with this function in terms of knowledge and understanding of what LED, means nor do they have the skills required to implement LED policy and procedures. A wide range of LED manuals and LED training programmes have been developed, which unfortunately do not adequately equip local government officials with the knowledge, insights and skills required to provide this service to local communities.

This need for knowledgeable and skilled officials at local government level to lead LED was the starting point for the development of a comprehensive Local Economic Development Qualifications Framework at NQF levels 4, 5 and 6. These Qualifications should result in the training of LED practitioners in the knowledge and skills required to be successful LED facilitators and to provide a learning pathway in LED.

The three Qualifications will ensure a comprehensive understanding of LED and its application in the South African context. Local government officials will be able to better fulfil their new role as managers of Local Economic Development.

The National Certificate in Local Economic Development NQF Level 5 is the second Qualification in the area of Local Economic Development. It provides knowledge quality control of, and practical skills in, Local Economic Development as well as progress along a career path for learners who:
  • Have worked in the sector for any number of years but have no formal Qualifications in Local Economic Development
  • Wish to enter Local Economic Development and work towards a nationally recognised Qualification
  • Were previously denied access to further education and training. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    As this is the second Qualification in a learning pathway it is assumed that the learner has obtained the National Certificate in Local Economic Development NQF Level 4. Should that not be the case the learner should be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4
  • Basic Project management principles as contained in the Unit Standards in Project Management at NQF Level 4.
    The learner should also have knowledge of:
  • The environment of Local Economic Development including the local government context, relevant legislation, the typical structure of a municipality and the concept of Integrated Development Planning
  • Approaches and tools of Local Economic Development.

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

    Provision has been made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification or in some of its constituent Unit Standards.

    The Qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through RPL.

    Application for Recognition of Prior Learning should be made to the relevant ETQA or to a ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Qualifying learners are able to:

    1. Explain the application of a range of international trends and national and provincial strategies and policies in economic development as well as Integrated Development Planning (IDP) to local economic development in South Africa
    2. Apply a range of operational management principles and practices including research, project management and facilitation skills, to the local economic development environment
    3. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the implementation of a range of practical local economic development concepts
    4. Apply an understanding of budgeting and financial management by preparing a local economic development project budget and the relevant financial reports
    5. Evaluate own performance in the local economic development environment.

    Critical Crossfield Outcomes

    1. Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively
    4. Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information
    5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written presentation
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environments and health of others by
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation
    8. Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. The application is explained of a range of key learning points drawn from analysing international trends and national and provincial policies and strategies in economic development as well as at least two Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) from municipalities of different sizes and challenges by referring to practical examples of successful implementation in South Africa

    2a The application of the operational management practices of preparing and planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting and evaluating to research, project management and facilitation activities is demonstrated by referring to practical local economic development examples in the South African context

    2b. The application of a variety of institutional arrangements for local economic development is explained by referring to practical examples of a project and a programme in own work context

    3. The implementation of local economic development practice is explained through the application of success factor analysis to a specified SMME promotion project and a selection of other local economic development strategies and tools in own work context

    4. A budget covering both capital and operational aspects of a specified local economic development project is prepared and the relevant financial reports are compiled in the form of a presentation to be made in own work context

    5. Strengths and areas for improvement in own learning and performance are identified and evaluated and appropriate corrective action is taken in own work context.

    Integrated Assessment

    Assessment practices must be fair, transparent, valid and reliable and should ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learners who wish to be assessed against this qualification should direct enquiries to the appropriate ETQA.

    The focus of assessment must be on the assessment of the learning outcomes rather than learning outputs. The specific outcomes in the unit standards guide the learning and training process towards the exit level outcomes on a continuous basis. The purpose is to determine whether these outcomes have been attained. Situations should present a wide range of options. Applications should require significant choices from a wide range of procedures and in a number of contexts.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Where appropriate, assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values indicated in the various unit standards should be integrated. Assessment in communication and mathematical literacy should use authentic Local Economic Development contexts wherever practical.

    Assessment has a formative monitoring function. Formative assessment should be used to assess gaps in the learners` skill and knowledge and to indicate where there is a need for expanded opportunities. The goal is to promote learning and to assess the efficacy of the teaching and learning process. Feedback from assessment informs teaching and learning and allows for the critique of outcomes, methodology and materials. Formative assessment is diagnostic and as such it should guide the learner and the facilitator of learning. It is continuous and is used to plan appropriate learning experiences to meet the learner`s needs. It provides information about problems experienced at different stages in the learning process. As it is criterion referenced, if the learner has met the assessment criteria, s/he has achieved the outcomes.

    Assessment should also have a summative component. Summative assessment may be used on completion of a number of unit standards, but should not be the only form of assessment.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Assessment should take place in an authentic context as far as is possible. Where it is not possible to assess competence in the workplace, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    Integration implies that theoretical and practical components should where possible be assessed together.

    Integrative techniques should be used to assess applied competence. Learners should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight.

    Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and Critical Cross Field Outcomes are evaluated. Assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the specific outcomes. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the unit standards and programmes should be designed to extend and further reflect the integration. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Research was done into the Qualifications Frameworks of Scotland, Canada and New Zealand. No comparable qualifications were found. The most significant information and data (although not in the form of Qualifications) were found on the World Bank`s Urban Development website and additional input to the Unit Standards was gained by looking at the websites of a number of international cities.

    Recent participation by the LGWSETA in the UN HABITAT Virtual Round Table - LED Series has provided considerable information and insight into the practice of Local Economic Development around the world and this has been used to confirm/support the inclusion of various Unit Standards in the Qualification. Some of the subject matter experts/resource persons who were specifically consulted to broaden the impact and reach of the Qualification were able to draw on their personal experiences with the practice of economic development at a local level in such countries as Norway and England. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • The National Certificate in Local Economic Development: Level 6
  • The Bachelors Degree in Public Administration. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA .
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA according to relevant ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant should:
  • Be competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
  • Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the LGWSETA ETQA.
  • Be in possession of a Qualification in Public Administration at NQF Level 6 or higher. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Exit points for learners who do not complete the Qualification
  • Learners will be credited with Unit Standards in which they have proved competence.
  • Learners who complete individueal Unit Standards but do not complete this Qualification retain their credits. However, should the substance of the Unit Standard change, the validity of the credit towards the Qualification may be reviewed.
  • Learners who change their provider or learning site before completing the Qualification may transfer their credits to the new learning site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  110494  Apply a range of research methodologies to support the design and implementation of (a) local economic development project(s) in own work context  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  110525  Apply a range of skills to facilitate workshops, community meetings and planned sessions in the local economic development environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  8648  Demonstrate an understanding of professional values and ethics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  110508  Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the concept of facilitation and a range of facilitation skills  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  110515  Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the various sources of funding available for local economic development in the South African context  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  110485  Describe and explain a range of international trends in economic development  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  110487  Describe and explain national and provincial strategies and policies relevant to local economic development  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  110505  Design, implement and manage a local economic development project in own work context  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  110498  Identify and explain the process, institutional aspects and a support system for integrated developdment planning (IDP)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  110517  Identify and explain the range of institutional arrangements for local economic development  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  110507  Identify and explain the typical success factors for SMME promotion and a range of other local economic development strategies and tools  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  110482  Prepare a budget for a local economic development project and prepare the relevant financial reports  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  15214  Recognise areas in need of change, make recommendations and implement change in the team, department or division  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  110500  Set up a local database for a local economic development project, using an appropriate software package  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  10148  Supervise a project team of a business project to deliver project objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 
    Fundamental  8662  Analyse and communicate workplace data  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  9224  Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  7866  Plan, organise and monitor work in own area of responsibility  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  14525  Present an informed argument on a current issue in a business sector  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  110528  Compile and control a budget for a range of office supply requirements  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  337063  Demonstrate knowledge and insight into the principles of monitoring and evaluation in assessing organisation and/or programme performance in a specific context  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  110533  Evaluate and improve the structure of the department and the design of jobs and work procedures in a local economic development unit  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  15233  Harness diversity and build on strengths of a diverse working environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  110531  Plan, organise and control the day-to-day administration of an office support function  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  110526  Plan, organise, implement and control record-keeping systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  110489  Recruit and select staff for a local economic development unit in accordance with local government procurement policies and other legal requirements  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  337059  Apply monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools to assess an organisation's or programme's performance in a specific context  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  15 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. A4 Consultancy CC 
    2. AMM Training and Consulting 
    3. Asiphokuhle Training and Research Institute 
    4. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    5. BESO Business Empowerment Solutions CC 
    6. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    7. CTC College(PTY) LTD. 
    8. Edutraining Business College 
    9. Elvis Koena Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Giamanje TVET College 
    11. Growth Management Consulting 
    12. HDPSA 
    13. ICM t/a Institute for Career Management 
    14. Institute of Cooperatives and Community Economic Development 
    15. INTERMASIKO CC 
    16. Johsie Enertprise 
    17. Josmap Training Institute 
    18. Khehli Institute 
    19. KHOSITHI TRAINING 
    20. KTMO Business Solutions 
    21. KWEM Management Solutions 
    22. M.I.C. Training and Development 
    23. Mamuhle Academy 
    24. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
    25. MJ Mafunisa Consulting (PTY) LTD 
    26. MKHAYA SOLUTIONS GROUP 
    27. Mohlaje Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    29. Nonunu Projects 
    30. PFIM Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    32. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    33. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    34. PTDEV (Pty) Ltd 
    35. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
    36. Siza Nesu Training and Consultants 
    37. Talent Emporium Academy (PTY) Ltd 
    38. Thinking Mind Trading 
    39. Thubelihle Graduate Institute 
    40. Tloumogale Business Development & Consulting 
    41. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    42. Tshamutengo General Dealers CC. 
    43. Tshepang Consulting & Project 
    44. Uan Projects 
    45. Umqondo Consultancy 
    46. UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE(PTY)LTD 
    47. University of Venda 
    48. Ursivox Interactive Systems 
    49. Vantage Training 
    50. Vumilia Africa Group 
    51. Yamangcuse Consulting 
    52. Zamaubuhle Training 


    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.