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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58348  National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology 
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  123  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification will address the needs of learners from all sectors of the perishable produce export industry. It will benefit learners in the distribution and exportation sector by providing the multi-skilling that will enhance the quality and effectiveness of their job performance, and in turn their career paths.

The qualification will provide the necessary knowledge and skills for packhouse supervisors and assistant perishable produce assessors to advance their careers to an assessor position.

The qualification will provide learners from an agricultural background with the opportunity to gain competence in the exportation processes and will assist their securing employment in the industry.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to:
  • Administer the logistics of an export consignment.
  • Ensure that consignments comply with the relevant international protocols.
  • Inspect and verify the compliance of an exporter's facilities.
  • Conduct a quality assessment of a selection of perishable products.
  • Verify the maintenance of a consignment's cold chain.
  • Provide assistance to exporters on international food safety and quality assurance compliance.
  • Enhance client relationships through the application of customer care.

    The qualification will form an integral step in the career path for a learner by improving their professionalism and will assist in facilitating their progression through the industry for the achievement of a management position.

    Rationale:

    The international perishable produce markets have become more health conscious and as a consequence their quality requirements are more stringent. With the advent of modern technology, the temperature, relative humidity and other environmental conditions within a container can be monitored via satellite link to ensure that the transcontinental consignment's quality is maintained.

    To keep pace with this technology and others that enhance the quality of the various fruits and other produce, it is essential that the industry institutes a concerted drive to up skill its workforce.

    This qualification addresses the need for the provision of professional assessment skills for the industry. These skills will be of particular benefit to the packhouses, as learners will become conversant with the inspection methodology and will accordingly ensure that their product submissions are in compliance with the standards. This will in turn, minimise rejections, improve productivity and profitability.

    The qualification will instil a greater understanding and appreciation of the exportation perspectives of the industry, thereby improving their liaison with both clients and suppliers of perishable produce.

    The emphasis on quality for all facets of the export processes will ensure that South African exporters comply with the international requirements for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), which are prerequisite for exportation to most of South Africa's markets. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Mathematical Literacy Communication at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The qualification may be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competetence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, Core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The certificate is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and will provide qualifying learners with applied competetence and a foundation for further learning.

    The qualification consists of a minimum of 123 credits, composed of:
  • Fundamental: (compulsory) 17 credits.
  • Core: (compulsory) 76 credits.
  • Electives: minimum 30 credits.

    Learners to choose elective unit standards totalling of not less than 30 credits from the Listed elective standards. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate the influences that the international protocols, bilateral agreements and South African Legislation have on the regulation and control of the perishable produce exportation.

    2. Analyse South Africa's potential to export perishable produce within the context of the changing markets needs and the infrastructural and logistical advantages of other exporting nations.

    3. Describe the practices to verify the compliance of an exporters cold chain facilities to the relevant regulations and protocols.

    4. Describe the monitoring and management practices that must be conducted to achieve food safety in perishable produce exportation.

    5. Identify the functions and operation of a total quality management system for a perishable produce exporter.

    6. Implement customer care policies and procedures in the perishable produce environment to foster and improve client relationships.

    Critical Cross - Field Outcomes:

    The unit standards in the qualification are structured to contain specific Critical 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 by:
  • Determining the influence that various legislated institutions have on the control and regulation of perishable produce exportation.

    The learner is able to work effectively with others and demonstrate their willingness to be part of the team by:
  • Providing an analysis of the export potential of perishable produce in South Africa and the factors that affect its viability.

    The learner is able to organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Determining the influence that various legislated institutions have on the control and regulation of perishable produce exportation.

    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Providing an analysis of the export potential of perishable produce in South Africa and the factors that affect its viability.

    The learner is able to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Performing an assessment of the cold chain maintenance and the compliance of the refrigeration infrastructure.

    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Describing the monitoring and management necessary to achieve food safety in perishable produce exportation.
  • Identifying the functions and operation of a total quality management system.

    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by:
  • Instituting customer care policies and procedures in the perishable produce environment. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The phytosanitary requirements for international markets are assessed in accordance with the influences of the bilateral and protocol agreements.
    1.2 The regulatory elements of the agricultural produce legislation are contrasted with the quality restrictions that are imposed on the exportation of perishable produce.
    1.3 The provisions of the perishable produce exportation legislation are evaluated for their applicability to the industry's need to preserve the quality of export produce.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 The degree to which South African exportation is negatively affected by global trends and economic conditions is contrasted with the positive aspects of local exports.
    2.2 The proactive reactions that South African exporters should utilise, to meet the changing international requirements, are described in accordance with the objectives of ensuring the viability of local exports.
    2.3 The impact that external factors have on the stability and profitability of exports is analysed within the context of the conditions that may favour other exporting nations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 The logistical documentation that is required for the assessment of the cold chain facilities, is described in accordance with the prescribed verification processes.
    3.2 The inspection methodology that is used to assess an exporters facilities is described in terms of its ability to effectively appraise the compliance of the cold chain instrumentation and infrastructure.
    3.3 The temperature management practices that are utilised to monitor the cold chain are explained in relation to the maintenance of a consistent temperature range.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 The particular hazards that may compromise food safety are identified and described in accordance with the manner in which the contamination may occur.
    4.2 The benefits of establishing and monitoring a hygiene management system are explained within the context of achieving compliance to the international best practices for food safety.
    4.3 The processes for auditing food safety programs are described in accordance with the objectives of optimising and improving the programs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 The legislative components of a total quality system that are applicable to the perishable produce export industry are described in terms of their contribution to effective management and traceability.
    5.2 The planning and implementation for the introduction of a total quality management system is explained within the context of integrating the system in the existing prerequisite programs.
    5.3 The verification checks that must be conducted, are described within the context of optimising the effectiveness of the system.
    5.4 The processes for monitoring and auditing a total quality system are described in relation to the additional management analysis that emanates from these functions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 The mediums for the effective communication with clients are selected and used to ensure suitability to the prevailing circumstances.
    6.2 Appropriate negotiation skills are utilised to deal with a client's complaints or potential disputes, in order to achieve a positive resolution of the problem.
    6.3 The incorporation of added value in the various interactions with clients, are introduced to foster a beneficial relationship. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    After extensive searches were conducted, no similar international qualifications could be located. This qualification is therefore unique and serves to illustrate South Africa's intention to strive to quality excellence, thereby enhancing our position in the perishable produce export arena.

    Of the SADC countries, Botswana exports red meat to Europe. Since the completion of the Trans Kalahari road which links central Botswana with Namibia, all these exports have been routed through Namibia. The quality and food safety aspects of red meat are internationally controlled by the Codex Alimentarius, which does not apply to the fresh produce industry.

    Swaziland routes their sugar exports via South Africa and these are then subject to the regulations for processed products.

    The international markets and in particular the major retail groups each demand specific size, colouration, packing and marking of the produce that they import. These requirements are in addition to the bilateral agreements and protocols that exporters have to comply with. To keep abreast with these varying demands, exporters conduct "in house" training that is specific to their customer's requirements.

    As no similar qualifications are available for comparison, international unit standards with similar intent to those contained in this qualification were sourced. The following unit standards do not necessarily address perishable products, but they do contain aspects that are similar to those used in South Africa.

    Australia:

    Australia's favourable geographic position affords their producers the opportunity to compete with South Africa in the exportation of "out of season" produce to the Northern hemisphere markets, hence the importance of comparing their Unit Standards against this qualification. The following were examined, and the notable similarities are:

    Registration No FDFFVDC1A - Identify products and quality requirements:
  • This unit standard concerns the quality requirements of final products for exports.
  • The processes and procedures are comparable with those used for the quality assessment of perishable produce.

    Registration No MTMMP91A - Oversee export requirements:
  • This unit standard concerns the logistical requirements for exportation.
  • The principles and practices are similar to those contained in the "Outline the legislations and regulations that control the exportation of perishable produce".

    Registration No BSBINT405A - Apply knowledge of import and export international conventions, laws and finance:
  • This unit standard concerns the legislative requirements for exportation.
  • The principles and practices are similar to those contained in the "Outline the legislations and regulations that control the exportation of perishable produce".

    Registration No BSBINT303A - Organize the importing and exporting of goods:
  • This unit standard concerns the logistical requirements for exportation.
  • The principles and practices are similar to those contained in the Outline the legislations and regulations that control the exportation of perishable produce".

    Registration No MTMMP91B - Identify QA arrangements with reference to specific QA requirements:
  • This unit standard concerns the quality assurance requirements for exports.
  • Similar methodology is utilised in the "Apply knowledge of total quality management systems for perishable produce exportation".

    Registration No RTE6906A - Develop export markets for produce:
  • This unit standard concerns the analysis of the potential for produce exportation.
  • The principles are similar to those contained in the "Identify the factors that affect the exportation of perishable produce".

    Registration No SFIDIST501B - Arrange transportation of product:
  • This unit standard concerns the logistics of cold storage, manifests, container numbers and seals.
  • These are comparable with those used for the "Apply knowledge of refrigeration and cold chain management for perishable produce exportation".

    Registration No FDFOPTFST2A - Maintain food safety when loading, unloading and transporting:
  • This unit standard concerns the principles and practices required to ensure food safety.
  • The criteria and focus of this unit standard is comparable with those used for the "Apply food safety practices in the perishable produce industry".

    United Kingdom:

    The United Kingdom is one of the largest trading partners and recipients of South African perishable produce exports. The adherence to the high standards of food safety and quality assurance that are demanded by their importers are therefore of critical importance to the success of South African exports. The standards that are utilised in quality determination, that are comparable to those in this qualification are:

    Registration No Q1028329 - NVQ in Quality Management:
  • This unit standard concerns the development and implementation of quality policies for quality assurance.
  • These are comparable with those used for the "Apply knowledge of total quality management systems for perishable produce exportation".

    Registration No Q1054402 - NVQ in Food and drink manufacturing operations:
  • This unit standard concerns the improving of standards and ensuring compliance with agreed procedures for quality assurance.
  • These are comparable with those used for the "Apply knowledge of total quality management systems for perishable produce exportation".

    In conclusion, this qualification is unique in the field of perishable produce exportation. The qualification will enhance the international markets view of South Africa as the premier exporter of quality perishable produce. The qualification embodies a professional approach to client interactions, which is pivotal to the acquisition and retention of international clients. It adheres to the best international practices in terms of quality management systems to ensure that all phases of the export chain are quality driven. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification is designed to provide a structured learning path for employees in the perishable produce export industry, be they in employ of commercial businesses or as entrepreneurs.

    This qualification will enable horizontal articulation, where learners may move within the agricultural sector, between the fields of production, packaging and processing of perishable products.

    The learning areas in the qualification will facilitate vertical articulation in the following:
  • National Diploma in Agriculture, NQF Level 6.
  • National Diploma in International Trade (Exports/Imports), NQF Level 6.

    The learning areas in the qualification will facilitate horizontal articulation in the following:
  • ID 49010; National Diploma in Plant Production, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate in Agriculture, NQF Level 5.
  • Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports/Imports), NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against these unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA and have experience or in depth knowledge of the Perishable Produce industry.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or 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 registered as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the agricultural industry, specifically as it relates to the Perishable Produce sector.
  • Hold a qualification in Agriculture 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 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  243893  Evaluate the affect that various factors have on the viability of perishable produce exportation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  243857  Identify the legislative requirements for perishable produce exportation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  243888  Install and monitor a total quality management system for perishable produce exportation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Core  243861  Monitor and manage food safety in perishable produce exportation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  243887  Monitor and manage the cold chain in perishable produce exportation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Core  243907  Provide customer care in the perishable produce export industry  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  115821  Apply business financial practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  15234  Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  114050  Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  115790  Write and present for a wide range of purposes, audiences and contexts  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  243889  Assess the quality of apples for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  243896  Assess the quality of apricots for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Elective  243856  Assess the quality of avocados for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  243868  Assess the quality of citrus for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  24 
    Elective  243860  Assess the quality of grain for local and export markets  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  243906  Assess the quality of groundnuts for the local and export markets  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  243855  Assess the quality of litchis for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  243895  Assess the quality of mangoes for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Elective  243886  Assess the quality of peaches and nectarines for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Elective  243891  Assess the quality of pears for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  243854  Assess the quality of plums for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Elective  243894  Assess the quality of table grapes for export  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  24 
    Elective  116778  Develop quality plans and ensure overall quality of products or services in a small business or business unit  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 


    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. ACS Academy Pty Ltd 
    2. Agri RDA Holdings Pty Ltd 
    3. College of Vocational Studies (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Green Identity (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Gubhela Training and Development Enterprise 
    6. Kalewe Investment Group 
    7. LFP AGRI (PTY) LTD 
    8. New Hope Revival Organisation 
    9. Orange Language Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) 
    11. Prempie Business Solutions Pty Ltd 
    12. Thusatemo Trading Enterprise 
    13. Watsima Projects and Environmental Services 


    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.