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: Forestry: Silviculture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
50266	National Certificate: Forestry: Silviculture
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Forestry and Wood Technology
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	123	Level 3	NQF Level 03	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:

This qualification will be useful to those who help to establish, maintain and protect forests within a silvicultural context, and who seek recognition for essential skills in forestry operations. The qualification recognises fairly specialised work skills with some need to supervise, instruct and organise others within routine contexts and according to given procedures. However, in most situations, the learners will be working under supervision themselves.

Learners will be able to enhance safety and productivity in silviculture, and this qualification provides evidence of a proven ability to:

Communicate in a variety of ways.

Use mathematics in real life situations.

Supervise and participate in wildfire suppression.

Clear trees.

Participate in silviculture-related activities.

Supervise silviculture operations.

Depending in electives chosen, recipients will be able to:

Provide fire protection support.

Participate in plantation establishment and maintenance.

The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely and effectively in silvicultural operations.

Rationale:

The majority of the learners for this qualification are likely to be working in the forestry sub-field. The qualification will give them the opportunity to balance their practical skills with the essential operations associated with efficient and safe silviculture operations. There is also a critical need in the industry to identify and recognise people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe silviculture operations.

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 2.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the assessment criteria defined for the qualification and related unit standards.

Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment.

Access to the qualification:

The qualification is open to all learners who are in possession of an entry-level General Forestry qualification or who have completed grade 10 or equivalent within the formal schooling sector.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Fundamental - all 36 credits in the Fundamental category are required.

Core - all 81 credits in the Core category are required.

Electives - a minimum of 6 credits is required from the possible 27 credits in the Electives category.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Supervise and participate in wildfire suppression.
2. Clear trees.
3. Participate in and supervise silviculture-related activities.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes, as detailed in the associated unit standards:

Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:

Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Supervision is carried out in line with prepared plans and drills.

Fire protection support is efficient and effective.

Actions contribute to the successful and safe suppression of wildfires.

Wildfires are suppressed or contained through effective leadership of a strike attack force.

2.

Trees are cleared safely and according to production schedules.

Equipment is used as per manufacturer's operating requirements and industry safety standards.

Felling, cutting, debranching and cross-cutting techniques comply with industry standards.

3.

Activities in plantations are established and maintained according to company requirements.

Herbicides are applied in keeping with silviculture requirements.

Activities are supervised according to plan.

Integrated assessment:

Assessment is to take place according to the detailed specifications indicated in the unit standards associated with each exit level outcome. Over and above the achievement of the specified unit standards, evidence of integration will be required as per the broad assessment criteria specified above, all within the context of an active workplace environment, dealing with divergent and "random" demands related to these work operations.

Assessors should note that the evidence of integration could well be presented by learners when being assessed against the unit standards - thus there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further integrated assessment. Well designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gain evidence of integration of knowledge and skills.

Assessors should take note of the following general principles when designing and conducting assessments:

Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember that we want to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then the assessment should be focussed on each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.

Ensure that assessment is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-players are used, there should be supporting evidence to prove that the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.

All assessments should be conducted in accordance with the following universally accepted principles of assessment.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares favourably to the New Zealand qualification: National Certificate in Forestry (Establishment and Silviculture) (Level 3), which has the following purpose:

"This qualification recognises the primary skills of forest silviculture that determine the quality of the forest crop. The compulsory unit standards also cover the skills of fire control. The elective list includes unit standards that recognise the skills required for the quality and production performance of the main silviculture operations".

The unit standards in the NZQA qualification that inform and compare favourably to the unit standards in the SA qualification in terms of coverage and level are:

NZQA ID; Title; Level; Credit

1232-Demonstrate knowledge of forest planting site preparation; Level 2; 4 Credits

6950-Demonstrate knowledge of thinning plantation trees; Level 2; 3 Credits

6951-Demonstrate knowledge of selecting plantation trees; Level 2; 4 Credits

6952-Select plantation trees for a forest crop; Level 3; 5 Credits

1241-Demonstrate knowledge of plantation forest establishment and silviculture; Level 2; 4 Credits

3270-Establish and deliver water supplies for fire fighting; Level 2; 3 Credits

3278-Demonstrate knowledge of command and control structure of an emergency service provider; Level 1; 2 Credits

20386-Operate portable pumps for fire fighting; Level 3; 3 Credits

3285-Demonstrate knowledge of protection of personal safety at vegetation fires; Level 3; 3 Credits

3286-Control vegetation fires using dry fire fighting techniques; Level 3; 2 Credits

3287-Suppress vegetation fires with water and with water with additives; Level 3; 2 Credits

43-Maintain a chainsaw; Level 3; 5 Credits

6916-Demonstrate knowledge of the Code of Practice relating to chainsaw use; Level 2; 5 Credits

6917-Operate a chainsaw; Level 3; 5 Credits

1243-Prune plantation trees from the ground; Level 4; 5 Credits

1245-Prune plantation trees from off the ground; Level 4; 8 Credits

1247-Thin plantation trees to waste (early thinning); Level 4; 5 Credits

17763-Demonstrate knowledge of tree felling; Level 3; 5 Credits

17766-Fell trees safely using a chainsaw and basic techniques; Level 3; 5 Credits

823-Demonstrate knowledge of agrichemicals; Level 2; 5 Credits

826-Demonstrate knowledge of principles involved in agrichemical use; Level 3; 3 Credits

5059-Demonstrate understanding of safety with agrichemicals; Level1; 1 Credits

6244-Store agrichemicals; Level 4; 4 Credits

The investigation into UK-based qualifications revealed a close correspondence in the key areas of the qualification, although the competencies in the UK are spread across a number of Forestry-related qualifications as follows:

NPTC Level 2 NVQ in Forestry

> Unit - H/101/5326 - Unit T09 - Select, Mark and Measure Trees.
> Unit - K/101/5330 - Unit T13 - Fell Trees Mechanically.

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw and Related Operations

> Unit - Y/101/7901 - Unit CS30.2 - On-Site Preparation and Basic Cross Cutting.

NPTC Level 2 National Certificate in Horticulture

> Unit - A/101/9933 - Unit 31 - Silviculture and Habitat Management.

The international comparison served to endorse the essential design of this qualification, with the differences being accounted for by the labour-intensive nature of forestry within the South African context.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification lends itself to both vertical and horizontal articulation. These possibilities ensure both mobility and progression for the learner in other fields of learning such as the Timber Harvesting industry.

Horizontal articulation possibilities:

> National Certificate: Timber Harvesting at NQF Level 3, ID 48988

Vertical articulation possibilities:

> National Certificate: Plant Production at NQF Level 4, ID 49009
> National Certificate: Farming at NQF Level 4, ID 20290

MODERATION OPTIONS

Any institution offering learning or assessment in terms of this qualification or associated 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 relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors must:

Be registered as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.

Have experience or in depth knowledge of forestry industry, specifically as it relates to silviculture.

Hold a qualification in Forestry at NQF Level 4 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	123149	Communicate using a two-way radio system	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	123238	Conduct maintenance on herbicide applicators	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	117069	Cross-cut felled trees using a chainsaw in a production situation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	123233	Cut felled timber using a chainsaw and maintain chainsaw	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	117061	Debranch felled trees using a chainsaw in a production situation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Core	117049	Demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations	Level 2	NQF Level 02	1
Core	117062	Fell trees with a chainsaw using the standard technique and felling levers	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	117085	Conduct basic forestry map reading	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	123234	Control activities at an airstrip during aerial wildfire suppression	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	123242	Organize forestry work team activities	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Core	123237	Control forestry work team activities	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	123240	Demonstrate knowledge of silviculture in commercial forestry	Level 4	NQF Level 04	20
Core	123232	Lead a strike attack force to contain or extinguish a wildfire	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	123235	Manage a controlled burn	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	123231	Manage a crew during wildfire suppression	Level 4	NQF Level 04	7
Core	11473	Manage individual and team performance	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Core	120379	Work as a project team member	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Fundamental	8968	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8971	Analyse and respond to a variety of literary texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9010	Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Fundamental	9013	Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Fundamental	8969	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9012	Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	7456	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8970	Write texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Elective	123239	Manage a chemical store on a forestry plantation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	123243	Operate brush-cutters in commercial forestry	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Elective	123236	Perform fire-lookout duties	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	123245	Scale tree lengths into log assortments in a production situation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	123241	Select and mark trees for thinning in commercial forestry	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	123244	Operate an electronic fire surveillance facility	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Elective	123230	Perform administrative functions during wildfire suppression	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4

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.	Arden School of Management (Pty) Ltd
2.	Blanket Security and SHEQ Solutions
3.	Furniture World Training Centre
4.	Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc
5.	Ntunzela Trading Enterprise
6.	Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd
7.	Premier Agric (Pty) Ltd
8.	Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd
9.	South African Forestry Training College
10.	TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD
11.	TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD
12.	Tower City Trading 100
13.	UMBUSO TRAINING SERVICES
14.	VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD
15.	VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C
16.	Yangantle Trading