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: 

Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97037  Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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:
A learner with this qualification will be competent to operate efficiently, independently and professionally in a radio station environment producing essential media products as a junior broadcaster whose focus is social, political and economic reportage.

Rationale:
There are several community radio stations in South African. This qualification meets the demand for trained broadcasters. Typical learners will be learners who wish to follow a career in broadcasting, or Journalism, but who did not get access to the Diploma in Journalism. Completing this qualification will give them access to the Diploma in Journalism, provided that they complete the entrance assessment successfully. Once learners have completed the certificate, they will be able to perform necessary broadcasting skills and will be employable by the community, regional and national radio stations. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners can apply for admission through the RPL process. RPL can be used by those seeking admission into the institution to obtain.
  • Access to learning qualifications.
  • Credits towards a qualification.
  • Advanced standing for a qualification.

    In RPL processes designed to grant access, an RPL application is evaluated against the entry requirements of the qualification. Applicants seeking access to the this qualification may be considered for the RPL route if they have been working in a relevant communication department for more than five (5) years. RPL applications are sent directly to RPL manager who requests for Portfolio of Evidence. The RPL manager sends the application form and Portfolio of Evidence to the relevant academic department. The PoE will relate directly to the Exit Level Outcomes and assessment criteria. A learner submitting such a portfolio will have to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and capabilities within the portfolio. Lecturers from the programme will be expected to assess the portfolio using current assessment tools as used in the department. Lecturers may be expected to compile a list of documentation that will need to be provided in the PoE.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Operate under supervision as a cadet radio broadcaster/announcer.
    2. Combine theoretical and practical training.
    3. Functional communication and language skills.
    4. Interpersonal and life skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the various aspects of interviewing, microphone skills, digital broadcasting, production and presentation skills.
  • Solve problems within the radio studio context.
  • Access, process, and manage information within the radio news context.
  • Understand issues around plagiarism, intellectual property and copyright and apply the principles within a practical context.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the various practical aspects of radio broadcasting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practical skills in broadcasting.
  • Access, manage and process information to an acceptable standard.
  • Demonstrate an adequate frame of reference, knowledge on media ethics and marketing/entrepreneurial skills.
  • Conduct self in a professional manner as befitting the context of a radio studio.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history of radio, the different forms of broadcasting and the latest applied technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Communicate professionally as a broadcaster.
  • Write and speak on a wide variety of topics related to the field.
  • Show an aptitude towards oral communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary matters, will be culture-sensitive and show entrepreneurial initiatives.
  • Organise self and activities in order to work effectively with others and to take responsibility for self, others and resources used.
  • Manage his/her learning effectively.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Lecturers in this qualification will make use of a wide range of assessment methods to assess learners. Formative assessment will be used to ascertain the level of the learners. Assessment includes practicals, interviews, scheduled tutorials and one on one sessions with the lecturers. Summative assessments include a form of regular broadcasts, practical, orals, assignments and tests. Learners will undergo practical training in the radio studio and may be expected to deliver content for local community radio stations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares to the qualification in Broadcasting - Radio, Television and Film as offered at the Niagara College (USA). The National Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting at the institution is, however, particular and related to radio, whereas the others offer a broader range of study. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Journalism, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Public Relations, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Media Communication, Level 6. 
    		•

    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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.