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: 

Diploma in Office Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
63549  Diploma in Office Management 
ORIGINATOR
Damelin 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Office Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 primary purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent secretary.

The qualification provides a theoretical and practical framework for operating in a business environment Learners achieving this qualification will demonstrate competence at NQF Level 6 in the area of secretarial services.

This qualification equips learners to undertake secretarial, administrative and management functions of an office. Qualifying learners will have competence in the areas of secretarial practices, business administration, typing, communication, computer literacy, business management, industrial relations, human resource management, business skills, accounting, payroll, writing skills, and work integrated learning.

Some career paths linked to the qualification include: executive secretary, office administrator, personal assistant and office manager.

Rationale:

Globally, new standards of governance are emerging and it is expected of government in the broad sense of the word to perform optimally and to be held accountable. Governance and institutional quality is one of the performance indicators. In this regard, industry, business, government and professions are in need of well-trained and competent secretaries to meet the need of well-managed companies, departments and offices. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners have English and communication skills at one level below that required for the qualification.

Typing and computer experience will be an advantage to learners.

Admission requirements:

This qualification is for all these candidates who would like to enter into, or who have been employed or involved in secretarial responsibilities to advance their knowledge and skills. Candidates should have obtained one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate/FET Certificate Level 4.
  • Grade 12.
  • An equivalent qualification.
  • N5 qualification relevant to the current field of study.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Diploma in Office Management, NQF Level 6 allows for open access and may be achieved in part or in whole through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their musical aptitude through compulsory interviews, and knowledge and skills tests. Such competencies may help gain access to the programme leading to this qualification, or advanced placement therein.

    Access to the Qualification:

    This qualification is for all candidates who meet the entrance requirements and who would like to enter into, or who have been employed or involved in secretarial services. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The learning programme leading to this qualification should consist of at least:
  • Fundamentals: 40 credits.
  • Core: 305 credits.
  • Electives: 15 credits.
  • Minimum credits at Level 7: 60 credits.
  • Minimum credits at Level 5: 120 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner must demonstrate that they have acquired/developed competency in the following:

    Knowledge:
  • Communicate effectively in the workplace.
  • Understand various types of business organisations and functional areas within organisations.
  • Understand the role of the company secretary within the business enterprise.
  • Understand and apply computer IPOS cycle and elements of different computers applications.
  • Explain concepts and perform financial accounting practices.
  • Know critical components of contemporary financial accounting frameworks.
  • Know and apply the role and function of human resource staff within an organisation.
  • Know basic theory and practices in planning and performing public relations.
  • Know and apply Industrial Relations principles and practice in South Africa.
  • Identify, analyse and solve basic legal problems relating to the law of contract.

    Skills:
  • Demonstrate the ability to operate a computer.
  • Enhance writing skills and analyse articles for different types of media.
  • Develop an Employment Equity plan within the HR plan of an organisation.
  • Perform administrative and secretarial duties required for success in a contemporary office.
  • Enhance typing skills.
  • Perform typing skills required in an office environment.
  • Ascertain gross pay entitlement of employees in an organisation.

    Values and Attitudes:
  • Develop entrepreneurial attitudes and skills.
  • Discuss and debate ethical and moral issues arising in the workplace and personal lives.

    Specific Outcomes for Fundamentals:

    1. Demonstrate the ability to operate a computer.
    2. Enhance writing skills and analyse articles for different types of media.

    Specific Outcomes for Core:

    3. Communicate effectively in the workplace.

    4. Understand various types of business organisations and functional areas within organisations.

    5. Understand the role of the company secretary within the business enterprise.

    6. Develop entrepreneurial attitudes and skills.

    7. Understand and apply computer IPOS cycle and elements of different computers applications.

    8. Explain concepts and perform financial accounting practices.

    9. Know critical components of contemporary financial accounting frameworks.

    10. Know and apply the role and function of human resource staff within an organisation.

    11. Develop an Employment Equity plan within the HR plan of an organisation.

    12. Know basic theory and practices in planning and performing public relations.

    13. Know and apply Industrial Relations principles and practice in South Africa.

    14. Perform administrative and secretarial duties required for success in a contemporary office.

    15. Enhance typing skills.

    16. Perform typing skills required in an office environment.

    Specific Outcomes for Electives:

    17. Identify, analyse and solve basic legal problems relating to the law of contract

    18. Discuss and debate ethical and moral issues arising in the workplace and personal lives

    19. Ascertain gross pay entitlement of employees in an organisation

    The programme aims to develop the SAQA critical cross-field outcomes listed below:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • 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 
    Assessment Criteria for Fundamentals:

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 1:
  • Components of a computer, system and application software programmes, storage devices and the function and operating systems are explained.
  • Windows environment is explored and documents are created professionally.
  • Spreadsheets are created and formatted.
  • Slide presentations are produced.
  • A database including basic queries and reports are developed.
  • Aspects of emailing is demonstrated.
  • An electronic calendar is populated with information.
  • A publication is created.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 2:
  • Effective précis are discussed, written and analysed.
  • English language in terms of grammar, well-constructed sentences and paragraphs are applied.
  • Emotional and objective writing are assessed.
  • The importance of letters to the press and feedback on controversial issues are explained.
  • A passage is analysed and important information selected.

    Assessment Criteria for Core:

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 3:
  • Communication theory is explained and effective communication through a variety of modes such as oral, written and electronic communication is demonstrated.
  • The ability to organise, conduct a meeting and to report in a professional manner within a business environment is demonstrated.
  • Appropriate graphic media to complement or substitute other vehicles of communication is used.
  • The role of effective communication in a business environment is analysed and debated.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 4:
  • The formation of organisations, different types of legal organisations, and characteristics common to all forms of organizations are analysed and discussed.
  • Functional areas within an organization are described and flow of information between functional areas are critically analysed.
  • Duties and responsibilities of staff at various levels within each functional area are identified and assessed.
  • The characteristics of different approaches to organisational style are discussed.
  • Theories of motivation, job satisfaction, work relationships are discussed and benefits assessed.
  • The social environment and economic factors that contribute to good business relations are critically discussed.
  • Office planning, designs and ergonomic theory are compared and applied.
  • Dismissal procedures of employees in an organisation are explained and applied.
  • Various legislation to ensure protection of employees, employers and their rights are analysed and applied.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 5:
  • The concept of secretarial practice and related tasks are explained.
  • Legislation that governs companies and close-corporations, different types of companies are discussed.
  • The key role of the companies' registry and its procedures, the types of companies, how they operate, naming procedures are explained.
  • Documents related to companies and close-corporations are completed.
  • The procedures regarding changes to memorandum of association, articles of association and share-capital are explained.
  • Conversions of a company to a close-corporation and private company to a public company are explained.
  • The concept of insolvency of a company is discussed.
  • Guidelines for setting up share register are interpreted and applied.
  • The processing of transfer batches is discussed and applied.
  • A statutory audit is defined and guidelines discussed.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 6:
  • How to take charge in own life and communities is explained.
  • Leadership of groups and diversity are discussed and applied within successful team activities.
  • Ethics pertaining to team work is investigated and debated.
  • The importance of correct communication is discussed and applied in terms of innovative thinking, building trust and support.
  • Planning processes to achieve goals are explained and applied.
  • Productivity and responsibility within the workplace are explained.
  • Team work and individualism are discussed in terms of a systems approach.
  • Effective use of resources and available skills to achieve goals are debated.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 7:
  • The importance and need for Computer literacy are explained.
  • The components of a Computer are identified and the differences between data and information, and the types of computers and software are explained.
  • Aspects of operating a computer such as speed of a computer, RAM and ROM, storage media, input and output devices, operating software and operating systems are discussed.
  • Different types of utility programs and programming languages are discussed.
  • Phases in software development and guidelines for systems development are explained.
  • The importance of data and information, difference between file processing and data base, data integrity and data manipulation, and components of a data base management system are explained.
  • Computerisation in business is debated.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 8:
  • Basic concepts in financial accounting is explained.
  • A range of transactions and adjustments, using the double-entry bookkeeping system is recorded.
  • Financial statements, including the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Changes in Equity is prepared.
  • Selected controls in the accounting system, including the trial balance, the bank reconciliation, and debtors' and creditors' control accounts are applied.
  • Depreciation of assets is calculated and recorded using straight line and declining balance methods and adjustments about disposal of assets are made.
  • Year end adjustments to various accounts are made.
  • A fundamental understanding of accounting for VAT is demonstrated.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 9:
  • Various principles, procedures and standards that should be adopted to prepare and present financial statements are explained.
  • Various elements of financial statements, their recognition and classification are described.
  • The objectives and qualitative characteristics of financial statements are discussed.
  • Parent and subsidiary companies, joint ventures and investments at cost are differentiated.
  • Transactions relating to acquisition of companies are recorded.
  • Group financial statements in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Companies Act and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice are prepared.
  • Basic taxation terms are defined and explained.
  • Differences between calculations of taxable income and tax liability for companies are discussed.
  • Accounting profit, taxable profit, taxation expense, current taxation and deferred taxation are calculated.
  • Taxation in financial statements and the disclosure thereof are recorded.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 10:
  • Human Resources Management is defined and discussed.
  • Human Resource Management and Personnel Management are compared.
  • The basic components of Human Resources Management are identified and effects explained.
  • The concept of personality is defined and the psychological contract between the employee and the organisation is explained.
  • Personal and organisational goal integration is explained.
  • Job analysis and processes involved are described and discussed.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of job-oriented methods of job analysis are debated.
  • Human resources planning is explained and applied.
  • Essentials of recruitment policy, factors that influence recruitment, and internal and external recruitment methods are described and evaluated.
  • The internal and external factors that influences the selection decision are described and the selection process developed.
  • Various staffing strategies are compared and developed.
  • The objectives and benefits of induction is described and debated.
  • Affirmative action and employment equity is critically compared.
  • The requirements of the Employment Equity Act are discussed.
  • Elements of performance management are examined.
  • The objectives of a compensation system is explained.
  • The term industrial relations is defined and the type of industrial relations system in South Africa is assessed.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 11:
  • Concepts such as Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and unfair discrimination are explained.
  • Activities comprising the Employment process and interrelated processes are described.
  • Strategies of Affirmative Action that can be applied in organisations are debated.
  • Different phases involved in forecasting of human resource needs and how these relate to personnel activities such as recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer and retrenchment are discussed.
  • The role of affirmative action in the recruitment process is analysed.
  • The role of induction in the Employment process and the way it is typically carried out are critiqued.
  • The potential influences of personality on an employee's behaviour at work is analysed.
  • The concept organisation design is defined and types of organisation design discussed.
  • Group decision making is analysed and compared to individual decision making.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 12:
  • Various concepts of public relations are defined and discussed.
  • Functions, codes, ethics and techniques of a public relations practitioner are described.
  • The impact of the origin of public relations in comparison to people's interpretation of the present place and purpose of public relations in society are debated.
  • Basic research techniques are applied to solve potential public relation problems.
  • Procedures of a public relations programme is explained and applied.
  • Various tools that are important for the success of public relations are identified and applied.
  • The difference between corporate image and corporate identity is debated.
  • The concept of corporate social investment is explained.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 13:
  • The history of the South African Labour and Industrial system is described and roles of various participants in the Industrial relations relationship debated.
  • Basic principles regarding the formation, breach and termination of labour relationships are explained and applied.
  • Basic provisions and impact on labour relationship as described in the Labour Relations Act 1995 as amended, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997 as amended, the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act of 1993, the Unemployment Insurance Act of 1966 and the Employment Equity Act of 1998 as amended are discussed and applied.
  • The role of the employer, State and trade unions in the labour relationships are analysed and explained.
  • Basic principles of collective bargaining and dispute resolution are explained and applied.
  • The importance of a sound Industrial Relations policy with regard to dismissals, discipline, retrenchments and grievances is critically discussed.
  • Basic principles of the law of dismissal under the Labour Relations Act of 1995 as amended are explained and applied.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 14:
  • Functions as described in business administration to manage business in a professional manner are discussed and explained.
  • The characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of different forms of business ownership are discussed.
  • The differences between forms of secretarial duties such as reception, secretarial, clerical and administration are critically discussed.
  • Operating procedures for incoming and outgoing mail are discussed and developed.
  • The use of automated mail equipment is identified and explained.
  • Goal setting is discussed and applied.
  • An effective automated office system for an organisation is designed.
  • Different services rendered by organisations such as Post Office, Postnet and courier services are discussed and effective use of these services are explained.
  • Operating procedures for incoming and outgoing mail is developed.
  • The importance of an effective receptionist is explained and demonstrated in terms of the reception area, telephone manners and customer care requirements.
  • The phases of a records life cycle are discussed using practical examples.
  • A records management program is set up and implemented.
  • The role and duties of a supervisor are assessed.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 15:
  • The keyboard is used with correct posture.
  • Typing pace and accuracy is enhanced.
  • The functions of important keys on the keyboard are explained and applied.
  • The format of a business letter and a memorandum are described and applied.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 16:
  • Touch type with ease and accuracy, all functions of the keyboard are used correctly using prescribed posture, speed and pace are increased and incorrect spelling and other errors are eliminated.
  • Advertisements are created using various advertising presentation styles.
  • A précis and internal memorandum are written.
  • A telephone message is put into a proper format, a fax message is drafted and invitations designed.
  • The qualities of an effective business letter are discussed, typed and critiqued.
  • Shorthand is discussed and applied.
  • Correct typing is done with efficiency and enhanced pace.

    Assessment Criteria for Electives:

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 17:
  • The origin and sources of South African Law and the different classification of the Law are explained.
  • The South African Judicial process is described.
  • Law is defined and legal subjects and laws under private law are explained.
  • A contract is defined and requirements for a valid contract, contractual capacity of a minor and termination of contracts are explained.
  • The essentials of a contract of sale are indicated and the duties of the seller and the buyer are criticised.
  • Patent and latent affects are explained.
  • Remedies for breach of contract are argued.
  • A lease is defined and essentials for a lease and termination of a lease is indicated.
  • The relationship between the landlord and third parties with specific reference to cession, sub-lease, and assignment is explained and applied.
  • An agency is defined, duties of an agent is described and express, implied and ostensible authority is compared.
  • Different forms of business enterprises are explained.
  • Immediate and remote parties to a cheque are discussed.
  • The concept of 'actionable omissions' is described.
  • Elements of the Employment contract, duties of the employer and procedures for strikes and lock-outs are discussed and explained.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 18:
  • Various ethical definitions, concepts, philosophies, theories and different schools of thought are discussed and explained.
  • Business ethics, descriptive and prescriptive ethics, meta ethics are discussed and applied.
  • Ethical decision making in business is analysed and applied to moral dilemmas.
  • The effect of ethics in managing businesses is debated in respect of trust, fraud, human potential, and whistle blowing.
  • Management of ethics by means of Corporate governance, managing risk, codes, institutionalising and reporting ethics is discussed.
  • Holistic skills associated with ethical decision making are developed.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Outcome 19:
  • Gross pay is defined, explained and compiled.
  • Basic entitlements such as pay rates, contracted conditions, and authorisation are discussed and applied and employee details are entered correctly.
  • Fringe benefits are identified and correctly applied to employee records.
  • All relevant temporary entitlements are identified, checked for authorisation, variations handled and correctly applied.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Formative assessment integrates theory with practice, with transfer of skills being conducted in a real or simulated workplace environment. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    The purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has met the outcomes of the qualification in terms of theory and practice. Integrative techniques are therefore used to assess applied competence. Candidates should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight.

    Assessment should ensure that all exit level Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. Assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the exit level outcomes. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the learning and assessment programmes are designed to extend and further reflect integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been benchmarked against similar qualifications in Australia and United Kingdom. In particular, it compares favourably with qualifications offered by Oxford Bridge University in the UK and Frederick Institute of Technology in Cyprus. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Access to qualifications on the same Level:

    Learners who are (have been) registered for the same or another related qualification on NQF Level 6 will be able to horizontally enter another relevant learning programme on the same level, given the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will retain credit for relevant modules that have successfully been completed at a previous institution and could enrol for a relevant diploma or degree level programme. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessors and moderators assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of an assessor against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor and/or moderator with a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body.
  • Formative assessment will be conducted internally with internal moderation being done by registered moderators. The moderation body is the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA).
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this Qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a relevant qualification at least on NQF Level 7.
  • Have workplace experience in the music industry.
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the enclosed outcomes as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • Be declared competent in all the exit level outcomes of the qualification as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. Damelin 
    2. Damelin - Boksburg 
    3. Damelin - Braamfontein 
    4. Damelin - Bramely 
    5. Damelin - Centurion 
    6. Damelin - Durban formerly Durban City 
    7. Damelin - Menlyn 
    8. Damelin - Mowbray 
    9. Damelin - Overpoort formerly Westridge 
    10. Damelin - Pretoria City 
    11. Damelin - Randburg 


    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.