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: Rooibos Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50227  National Certificate: Rooibos Production 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  121  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to gain competence in Rooibos production and will facilitate their securing employment in the industry. For those who are already employed on a Rooibos plantation, the multi-skilling that the qualification offers will open up a career path in the industry. The qualification focuses on the skills, knowledge and values that are required in Rooibos production. A learner achieving this qualification will be able to work effectively and productively within the Rooibos production environment knowing:
  • The structure and supply chain of the Rooibos industry.
  • Health and safety principles for Rooibos production.
  • The relationship that the environment has on crop production.
  • The fertility of the soil and how to apply fertilisers.
  • The propagation and care of Rooibos seedlings.
  • The cultural practices for effective Rooibos production.
  • The practices to maintain hygiene in Rooibos production and processing.
  • The harvesting and seed collection practices.

    The combined commitment of the learners and employers in the achievement of this qualification will help alleviate the transient nature of the workers at this level, which will result in a skilled, stable and efficient workforce.

    Rationale:

    The qualification addresses the urgent need for the establishment of skills and accompanying standards that the Rooibos production industry requires, especially on the smaller plantations and for the emerging farmers. The qualification provides learners with access to learning in specialised areas within the Rooibos industry. In addition, the qualification will equip the learners with the necessary background knowledge and skills to be portable within other agricultural industries.

    This qualification and the resultant skills that are gained will have a positive contribution to the productivity and sustainability of existing plantations and those of emerging farmers. This in turn will address one of the national priorities of reducing the level of unemployment and under employment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who would like to access this qualification should have demonstrated competency in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.

    Recognition of Previous Learning:

    The qualification may be achieved in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This may include formal, non-formal learning and work experience. Where RPL is required, the learner will need to prove competence in the specific area, or areas, in order to obtain recognition of these skills and knowledge. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a minimum of 121 credits, composed of:
  • Fundamental: 36 - Compulsory for all learners
  • Core: 65 - Compulsory for all learners
  • Electives: 20 - Learners to choose unit standards totalling 20 credits from the listed elective standards 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively in the workplace.
    2. Utilise mathematical literacy correctly.
    3. Apply life skills in personal and community environments.
    4. Propagate and care for Rooibos seedlings in a nursery area.
    5. Establish and provide care for Rooibos plants in a plantation.
    6. Harvest Rooibos.
    7. Collect and prepare Rooibos seed for planting.

    Critical Cross - Field Outcomes (CCFO's):

    The unit standards in the qualification are structured to contain specific and cross-field outcomes. The integration of the latter is vital to the full development and social upliftment of the learner. The critical cross-field outcomes are intended to guide the providers in developing the learning material.

    The relevant CCFO's include:
  • The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • The learner is able to work effectively with others and demonstrate their willingness to be part of the team.
  • The learner is able to organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • The learner is able to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Oral communication is carried out effectively in the workplace with clients and colleagues.
  • Reports are written for the workplace using appropriate language.

    2.
  • Mathematics literacy is used to monitor and control finances.
  • Workplace problems are solved using mathematical concepts and calculations.

    3.
  • Self management skills are demonstrated.
  • An awareness of the preventative measures and implications of HIV/AIDS are explained.

    4.
  • The procedures for the preparation of a seed bed are applied.
  • The sowing of Rooibos seed and the monitoring of germination are described.
  • The procedures for the hardening off of the Rooibos seedlings are described.

    5.
  • The procedures for the clearing and preparation of a Rooibos plantation are demonstrated.
  • Suitable holes are excavated and Rooibos seedlings are planted.
  • The soil and climatic conditions that are best suited to the cultivation of Rooibos are described.

    6.
  • The importance of the correct timing of the harvest and the different requirements for young and mature plants is understood.
  • Harvesting techniques are used and good hygiene are maintained and demonstrated.

    7.
  • The ideal period for the collection of Rooibos seed and the methods to gather the seed bearing material are described.
  • The techniques used in sieving and further treatment of Rooibos seed are described.

    Integrated assessment:

    The integrated assessment allows Learners the opportunity to show that they are able to utilize concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards. This will allow Learners to achieve competency that is in keeping with the purpose of the qualification.

    An integrated assessment will indicate how theoretical learning is demonstrated in a practical environment in such a way that the application of the work learnt becomes second nature.

    In conducting an assessment, the quality of the performance must also be evaluated i.e. both the performance and the thinking behind the action must be qualitative.

    The assessment should include both formative and summative options and should use various assessment tools i.e. not by observation only. It is suggested that a Portfolio of Assessment forms part of the summative assessment, with practical outcomes being demonstrated in a simulated or real work place situation.

    A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge being maintained.

    Unit Standards in the qualification must be used to assess the specific and Critical Cross- Field Outcomes. It is recommended that the assessment tools give Learners the opportunity to account for their decision-making and problem solving in line with the Specific Outcomes and related Assessment Criteria.

    As this qualification forms the foundation for a career in Rooibos production, learners should be assessed in occupational contexts and activities. The assessment should ensure that the foundational skills are portable and prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Rooibos tea production is unique to South Africa, which makes international comparability impossible. However, similarities exist between Rooibos production and Black Tea (Ceylon) production. This qualification was compared with training offered in Black Tea production in Sri Lanka, India, Kenya and Malawi. The processing of Rooibos was also compared with Tea Processing Training in Australia and New Zealand who have well developed training programmes in this sector.

    While training in tea growing and processing in Kenya and Malawi is extensively done by the organisations and companies involved in the industry, no formal qualifications exist. However, it has been determined that the contents of the training given in those countries relates very closely to what is offered in this qualification.

    Competencies such as seed cultivation, soil preparation, plant propagation and tea processing form major parts of their training programmes. The South African qualification includes soil analyses which is not covered in Kenya and Malawi.

    The following Australian qualifications and the notable similarities are:

    1. Registration No RUH10898 - Certificate in Horticulture (Production)

    > This level 1 qualification covers the practices and procedures used in the propagation of plants.
    > The qualification includes the aspects of propagation from seed and the care of seedlings, which is relevant to Rooibos.

    2. Registration No RAU21698 - Certificate in Agriculture (Production Horticulture)

    > This level 2 qualification covers the practices and procedures for the hardening off of seedlings in preparation for planting out.
    > The processes and procedures are comparable with those used for Rooibos.

    In conclusion, it would appear that the competencies developed in this qualification compare favourable with that offered in the countries researched. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification is designed to provide a structured learning path for employees in the Rooibos Production industry in South Africa, be they in employ of large plantations or small farms.

    This qualification will enable horizontal articulation, where learners may move within the Rooibos industry, between the fields of Production and Processing. Many farms have basic processing facilities to improve their service and profitability.

    While the Production and Processing qualifications diverge, there remains sufficient common ground for holders of one qualification to be able to be employed in the other field with minimum additional training.

    The learning areas in the qualification will facilitate horizontal and vertical articulation in the following:
  • National Certificate in Tea Production and Processing NQF level 2 (ID 48903).
  • National Certificate in AgriTrade processes NQF level 2 (ID 14851).
  • National Certificate in Farming NQF level 3 (ID 20289).
  • National Certificate in Plant Production NQF level 2 (ID 48975). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against these unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA and have experience in or in depth knowledge of the Rooibos industry.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification or its constituent unit standards or that will assess these unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the qualification and the agreed ETQA procedure.
  • Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against these unit standards may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the agricultural and food processing industry, specifically as it relates to the Rooibos sector.
  • Hold a qualification in Agriculture at NQF Level 3 or higher. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12556  Apply fertiliser manually  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  13355  Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and biological environment and its relationship to sustainable crop production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Core  123172  Apply health and safety in Rooibos production and processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Core  123170  Collect and treat Rooibos seed  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  123162  Conduct Rooibos harvesting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  123159  Conduct soil preparation and transplant rooibos seedlings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  8494  Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  123158  Demonstrate an understanding of Rooibos culture practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Core  123165  Demonstrate an understanding of the Rooibos industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  123173  Demonstrate knowledge of hygiene practices in Rooibos production and processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  123154  Propagate rooibos from seed  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  123157  Provide care for rooibos seedlings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  116053  Understand basic soil fertility and plant nutrition  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8965  Respond to literary texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  123160  Bruise, ferment and dry Rooibos cuttings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  123156  Conduct post harvest cutting of Rooibos  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  116820  Drive a tractor  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  116113  Explain principles of human resources management and practices in agriculture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  123167  Monitor the quality assurance in Rooibos processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  116066  Operate and maintain specific irrigation systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  116065  Store and control agrochemical products effectively and responsibly  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  116060  Utilise and perform minor repair and maintenance tasks on implements, equipment and infrastructure  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  8000  Apply basic business principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 


    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. College of Vocational Studies (Pty) Ltd 
    2. Envirocon Training Pty Ltd 
    3. Majestic Life (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Mashonga Training Institute Pty Ltd 
    5. Overberg Training and Development Initiative 
    6. Thupa Catering and Projects 


    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.