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: 

Diploma in Community Extension 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96852  Diploma in Community Extension 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The programme is designed to provide the learner with knowledge, skills and competencies within the agricultural field in product production, processing, extension and marketing. The learner will be competent in the fields of agriculture, extension and sustainable community development as part of ensuring physical, economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times. Therefore this programme will provide agricultural industry, food processing industry, public sector with competent agricultural extension officers/advisors or community development officers. The skills to be acquired will equip the learners to be able to do other higher qualifications without difficulties especially in terms of writing mini research projects in Advanced Diploma programme as they are introduced to basic research in Human Ecology IIIB subject.

Rationale:
The Diploma programme in Community Extension will provide access to Advanced Diploma qualifications. The Norms and Standards for Extension and Advisory Services in Agriculture (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries-which is a major stakeholder for the programme in addition to other industries) state that there is an urgent need to improve the human resource capacity of Extension Personnel in terms of competence and skills and qualifications to render high quality extension service to clients which are farmers (commercial, smallholders, subsistence) and communities. Extension and advisory services therefore need well-trained, dedicated and motivated staff skilled in agricultural production (scientific and technical expertise), business (economics, marketing and financial management expertise), extension and communication technique. The provision of effective training through development programmes is therefore in the long term interest of the agricultural extension and advisory service. Therefore this statement from the Norms and Standards for Extension affirms the needs for programmes in Agricultural Extension related qualifications. The Diploma in Community Extension address such needs. The programme will also provide agricultural industry, food processing industry, public sector with competent agricultural extension officers/advisors or community development officers.

The Diploma in Community Extension programme addresses issues related to food security. Food security is one of the challenges faced by South Africa whereby the majority of the people within society do not have access to safe, adequate and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active healthy life. Food security is part of the vision of the Integrated Food Security Strategy for South Africa whereby the vision is to attain universal physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food by all South Africans at all times. Food security is part of the Section 27 Constitutional rights in South Africa where the Constitution states that every citizen has the right to have access to sufficient food and water and the State must by legislation and other measures, within its available resources, avail to progressive realization of the right to sufficient food. The urgent challenge of food security requires professionals that are competent in fields of agriculture, extension and community development in ensuring that food security and sustainable development exist in the country. Therefore the programme contributes to national priorities.

This programme contributes direct to the strategic goals of the university especially Strategic Priority 2 aimed at developing programmes and enhancing student employability. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered following the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) RPL Policy and University Rules and also as indicate in entry requirements concerning people with relevant experience.

Entry Requirements:
Admission requirements:
1. National Senior Certificate with rating codes:
> English First Additional Language (4).
Or
> English Home Language (4).
> Agricultural Science (4).
Or
> Consumer Studies (4).
Or
> Life Sciences and Geography (4).
Or
> Life Sciences and Economics (4).

2. Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of:
> English E (HG) or D (SG).
> Home Economics E (HG) or D (SG).
> Agricultural Science E (HG) or D (SG).

3. A pass mark in Biology and Geography and/or Biology and any commercial subject with a minimum of "E" symbol on the Higher Grade or "D" symbol on the Standard Grade is compulsory. People with relevant work experience on Agriculture/Home Economics or Community Development are also given a preference. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Core Subjects:
  • Agriculture: Extension IA, 15 Credits.
  • Basic English, 10 Credits.
  • Basic Science IA, 10 Credits.
  • Health and Hygiene IA, Credits.
  • Human Ecology IA, 15 Credits.
  • Computer Skills 1A, 5 Credits.
  • Agriculture: Extension IB, 15 Credits.
  • Basic Science IB, 10 Credits.
  • Health and Hygiene IB, 10 Credits.
  • Human Ecology IB, 15 Credits.
  • Computer Skills 1B, 5 Credits.
  • Agriculture: Extension IIA, 15 Credits.
  • Basic Food I, 10 Credits.
  • Basic Skills IA, 10 Credits.
  • Extension IA, 10 Credits.
  • Human Ecology IIA, 15 Credits.
  • Agriculture: Extension IIB, 15 Credits.
  • Basic Nutrition I, 10 Credits.
  • Basic Skills IB, 10 Credits.
  • Extension IB, 10 Credits.
  • Human Ecology IIB, 15 Credits.
  • Agriculture: Extension IIIA, 15 Credits.
  • Basic Food II, 10 Credits.
  • Extension IIA, 10 Credits.
  • Human Ecology IIIA, 15 Credits.
  • Agriculture: Extension IIIB, 15 Credits.
  • Basic Nutrition II, 10 Credits.
  • Extension IIB, 10 Credits.
  • Human Ecology IIIB, 15 Credits.
  • Land use Planning III, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Establish, design and implement agricultural projects in the community.
    2. Conduct production, marketing and sales of agricultural and household products and/ or services.
    3. Practise comprehensive health care.
    4. Educate and facilitate.
    5. Demonstrate personal competence, and communicate effectively with all interested and affected parties using appropriate media. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Needs and resource assessment on irrigation scheme, veld and pasture, field and horticultural crops, and livestock are conducted.
  • Data is collected and analysed.
  • Appropriate projects are designed and implemented on irrigation scheme, veld and cultivated pasture, field and horticultural crops, land as well as livestock management.
  • Types of irrigation are identified, selected and applied.
  • Suitable cultivars are selected for the area.
  • Veld is delineated according to veld types and assessed.
  • Land and water conservation is maintained.
  • Appropriate fungicides, pesticides and herbicides are selected and judiciously applied.
  • Principles of food preservation and food storage are correctly applied.
  • Therapeutic diets are designed.
  • Appropriate fabric is selected.
  • Garments and household products are constructed and workmanship is evaluated.
  • Appropriate principles of fabric care are applied.
  • Market research is conducted and the present markets are identified.
  • Sample packaging and transportation are identified and classified accordingly.
  • Price/cost is calculated and value is added to products/services where necessary/applicable.
  • Products/service is advertised through the appropriate media.
  • Financial records are correctly kept up to date.
  • Stock taking is done correctly and regularly.
  • Correct principles of budgeting are done.
  • Dressing of wounds, care of fractures and application of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are correctly done.
  • Different types of food are correctly cultivated, harvested, prepared, preserved and stored.
  • Appropriate sewage system is recommended.
  • Approved housing principles are correctly applied.
  • Correct immunisation for communicable diseases are recommended and applied.
  • Appropriate educational methods are selected and applied.
  • Learning objectives are formulated, implemented and evaluated.
  • A conducive learning environment is created.
  • Useful and appropriate resources are selected and used.
  • Demonstration days are organised and conducted.
  • Appreciation of indigenous knowledge is demonstrated.
  • Basic knowledge of computer is applied.
  • Current word processing packages are used.
  • Current spreadsheet packages are used.
  • Internet facilities are correctly used.
  • Appropriate communication tools are used.
  • Reports, letters, memos and proposals are written and interpreted.
  • Target audience is assessed.
  • Minor disputes and conflicts are managed.
  • Meetings are scheduled, arranged, chaired and minutes are taken.
  • Cultural norms, standards and boundaries are respected.
  • Listening skills are applied and clear instructions are prepared and given orally.
  • Role in work environment is defined and identified.
  • Teamwork is practised.
  • Confidentiality, loyalty, trustworthiness, honesty and commitment are maintained.
  • Balance between business and personal life is maintained.
  • Time is used and scheduled effectively.
  • Problem solving and decision making techniques are applied.
  • Limits of competence are recognised.
  • Positive image of role is projected.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment will include the following:
  • Minimum 2 written tests per subject.
  • Minimum 1 assignment per subject.
  • Minimum 1 practical report per subject.
  • Minimum 1 mini project per each of the 4 subjects, (Agriculture for Extension IIIA, Human Ecology IIIB, Extension IIB, Land Use Planning III).

    Minimum 1 Project Based Work Integrated Learning report and Oral presentation of the project assessed by six Internal Examiners and External Moderator.

    Summative assessment will include:
  • 3 hour written examinations.

    Moderation: All assessments including written tests, projects, and practical tests will be moderated. All final year level subjects for this programme will be externally moderated for summative assessments. These will be in accordance with relevant University Policies and Rules as appear in institution General Handbook. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to other diploma qualifications obtained in other national and international universities as this programme is aligned to Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The Diploma qualification articulates to Advanced Diploma qualification or third year of a three year Bachelor Degree qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation into Advanced Diploma or into final year of three year Bachelors Degree e.g. Bachelor of Agriculture (B Agric.) Degree. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Mangosuthu University of Technology 


    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.