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 Local Government Finance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99281  Diploma in Local Government Finance 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
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
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 primary purpose of the qualification is for learners to demonstrate vocational knowledge and skills and to acquire applied competencies and the necessary attitudes in the field of Local Government Finance to become lifelong learners, employable workers and contributors to financial management in various institutions. A second purpose of the qualification is for those holding this Diploma in Local Government Finance to widen the vocational leadership and management base of innovative and practice-based local government financial management. A third purpose of the qualification is to enable diplomats in local government finance to become members of the Institute of Municipal Finance Officers (IMFO).

This qualification lays the foundation for career advancement and further studies in the field of Local Government Finance. Upon completion of the Diploma in Local Government Finance, the learner would have been actively engaged in becoming a well-rounded, educated person, specifically prepared for further and more specific study and also for the work environment as an employer/manager in the financial section of a government entity.

The qualification aims to develop financial management skills through strengthening their understanding of local government legislation and developing their financial reporting skills. The theoretical foundation will guide learners in the work environment to act at a functional level as Financial Managers.

Rationale:
Effective financial management can help municipalities to transform their local areas into a better place to live and work. It is the responsibility of local government to ensure appropriate expenditure of financial resources for urban and rural development. Municipalities must prepare budgets for each financial year. Council must approve these budgets before the new financial year begins after proper planning and consultation with ward committees and other stakeholder groups in the area. Better understanding of the budget process in budget preparation by the local councils as well as compliance with the relevant legislation and regulations is vital. The qualification seeks to train individuals in public financial management from budget preparation to planning and reporting. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the RPL Policy. This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The institution RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements:
Learners must have either a:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting admission to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4) granting admission to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules with 12 Credits each at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Local Government Finance 1.
  • Local Government Functions 1.
  • Financial Accounting 1502.
  • Auditing 1501.
  • Local Government Management 1.
  • Public Resource Management 1.
  • Public Office Management 1.
  • Economics 1501.
  • The Nature, Content and Scope of Public Administration.
  • Public Supply Chain Management 1.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Economics 1601.
  • The Structuring and Functioning of Public Services.
  • Local Government Finance: Fundamentals IIA.
  • Local Government Finance: Systems IIB.
  • Financial Accounting 1601.
  • Financial Accounting 2601.
  • Financial Accounting 2602.
  • Local Government Management II.
  • Project Management IIA.
  • Project Management IIB.
  • Fundamentals of Public Administration Research II.
  • Stock and Purchasing Management II.
  • Public Human Resource Management IIA.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Local Government Finance: Control Measures III.
  • Local Government Finance: Functions III.
  • Local Government Management III.
  • Approaches to Programme Management III.
  • Local Government Accounting III.
  • Stock and Purchasing Management II.
  • Aspects of Programme Management III. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform financial and accounting functions as a basis for managerial decisions for local government management.
    2. Prepare budgets and financial statements according to statutory requirements.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the background to Financial Management, Regulatory Frameworks and the relationship between legislation, operational plans and budget.
    4. Manage projects using a range of specialised accounting and financial management skills to identify, analyse and address functional and real-life problems in the local government workplace. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Standard procedures, processes and techniques to deal with or empirically investigate functional and/or real-life problems in the local government finance environment are appropriately applied.
  • The analyses and interpretation of theoretical data and practical information are independently conducted.
  • Practical and functional insight into financial accounting and financial management is demonstrated by means of well-rounded, theory-driven and evidence-based arguments and self-reflection.
  • Primary financial and accounting functions in a local government environment are managed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Financial statements are analysed and interpreted correctly.
  • Consolidated financial statements for a Local Authority are compiled.
  • Budgets for the short, medium and long-term are compiled and financial reports are produced.
  • Bank accounts, fund requests, internal charges, trading accounts and ledger accounts are managed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Local government policies are interpreted as a basis for financial management decisions.
  • Compliance with applicable local government financial regulations is managed.
  • The Strategic planning process and regulatory frameworks are understood and applied.
  • Knowledge related for the local government core areas: administration, services, finance and law is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Practical and functional understanding of the local government finance world is shown.
  • A Systematic knowledge in the discipline of Public Administration and Management is applied.
  • Judgements and conclusions are based on information and data.
  • Financial management reports are clearly communicated to specialist and non-specialist audiences using available resources.
  • Interpersonal skills, including leadership and conflict resolution are demonstrated while dealing with interpersonal and team situations.
  • Ethical behaviour and continued professional development in the field of local government finance is practiced.
  • Ethical decisions which affect functional local government work and environment issues are made with social sensitivity and awareness of consequences.
  • Public interest and global perspectives are integrated into projects, situation analysis and decision making.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. The study guides contain self-assessment tasks with feedback. The scheme of work includes a combination of written and multiple choice assignments based on the learning material which learners have to submit and for which they earn a semester mark. Learners are given feedback in the form of written comments in the assignments and suggested solutions and mark plans presented in a formal tutorial letter. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes.

    Assignment marks contribute 20% towards the learner's final mark.

    Summative Assessment:
    Examinations of a representative selection of outcomes practiced and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.
  • One two-hour examination per module per semester.
  • Unless otherwise stated, a subminimum of 40% must be obtained in the examination.
  • The mark obtained in the examination contributes 80% to the learner's final mark.

    Supplementary examinations are available for learners who obtained at least 40% as a final examination mark. All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally qualifications on governance are structured according to the country's legal and regulatory systems and therefore differ from country to country. This qualification was compared with qualifications from Ireland and Australia as they have fairly similar public services and financial management systems and related regulations.

    The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in Ireland offers a Diploma in Local Government Studies. The qualification offers learners an in-depth and analytical study of the main local authority services. The qualification is intended to enhance the competence of individuals in public finance management and so offer opportunity for them to advance their careers. Participants who successfully complete the Diploma may advance to the Local Government stream of the IPA's Bachelor of Arts Degree, on condition that they complete a bridging course.

    The Australian government established a Joint Initiative of the Australian and State and Territory Governments that offers training for public servants. A Diploma of Government (Financial Services) is offered through this training. This specialist qualification covers the competencies required of Finance Officers in the public sector. Learners select electives subjects that are related to their responsibilities and that are required for effective performance.

    Conclusion: This qualification is internationally comparable as it compares well in content, duration, admission requirements, articulation and qualification type with those qualifications detailed above which are representative of this type of qualification offered internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification only offers specific horizontal articulation opportunities with the following qualification offered by the University of South Africa:

    National Diploma in Public Management, Level 6 (ID 62409).

    The qualification offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Local Government Law and Administration.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Financial Management.
  • Advanced Diploma in Management.
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Management.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.