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 Public Sector Procurement 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99511  Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
The Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification aims to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to understand and manage procurement processes within the public sector. Procurement and supply chain management are at the core of effective service delivery. To provide essential services, the government must procure materials, engage with suppliers and vendors, and balance the objectives of government, businesses, and the community. The process must ensure efficient, sustainable, and reliable service delivery. Since public funds are involved, public sector procurement is always under political and public scrutiny. Moreover, procurement is now being used as a tool to address past injustices and discriminatory practices. This qualification addresses the shortage of appropriately skilled and qualified public sector procurement professionals, as well as the limited qualifications available in this field in South Africa. Despite its crucial role, there is a significant gap in procurement expertise within the public sector. The qualification provides learners with a solid understanding of key issues in public sector procurement and supply chain management, while also laying a foundation in public administration. The qualification aims to promote due diligence, accountability, professionalism, and sustainability in the public sector procurement function (Chikozho, 2019). Additionally, it supports national imperatives of service delivery and economic development through the proper and ethical use of public funds.

Through this qualification, learners will gain a solid understanding of public procurement's role in government efficiency, supply chain management, and public service delivery. Additionally, the qualification focuses on developing competencies in ethical governance, public finance, and compliance with regulatory frameworks, critical to efficient public sector operations. The qualification targets individuals currently employed in or aspiring to work in public procurement, including public servants, procurement officers, and other government officials, as well as recent school leavers who are interested in entering the field. By completing this qualification, learners will position themselves as competent procurement professionals, essential to improving service delivery in the public sector, addressing procurement challenges, and contributing to national development strategies. Learners will benefit from acquiring knowledge in legal frameworks, supply chain management, and ethical standards, empowering them to enhance efficiency and accountability in public procurement. This will also help graduates stand out in the job market and prepare graduates for further academic and professional development.

The qualification also provides learners with the foundation to pursue advanced learning opportunities, including progression towards diplomas, advanced certificates, and degrees in related fields. This supports career growth and allows learners to further specialise in public administration and procurement.

With the current skills needs and the scarcity of qualifications in public sector procurement, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes. such as critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship, communication skills, interpersonal skills, ethical awareness, foundation knowledge, community engagement, global leadership, adaptability and resilience.

Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Understand the role of procurement in the public sector
  • Understand the underlying theories and principles underpinning procurement and supply chain management
  • Understand the fundamentals of public administration in the context of public sector procurement
  • Possess knowledge literacy within the area of public procurement and supply chain management
  • Understand what it means to act ethically and responsibly
  • Work confidently within the public regulatory procurement environment
  • Engage with the appropriate theory around public finance
  • Be able to engage in self-directed learning
  • Assess problems in public sector procurement and formulate solutions
  • Have an appreciation of due diligence (ethics, social responsibility, sustainability, and accountability) within public sector procurement

    Graduates will understand the ethical, legal, and financial aspects of procurement, enabling them to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive positive change in public service. By fostering critical thinking, accountability, and sustainability, this qualification prepares learners to make meaningful contributions to government operations, ensuring the ethical and responsible use of public funds while addressing key challenges in procurement.

    Rationale:
    Public procurement is seen as a significant component of the economy and public expenditure and can therefore serve as a measure of government efficiency. The qualification aims to build skills in public sector procurement and supply chain management, both of which are critical to government service delivery. In recent times, service delivery in South Africa has been hindered by strikes, disputes, civil unrest, protests, fraud, and corruption. These challenges, along with negative media coverage, have contributed to a poor public image of the public service sector, which continues to deteriorate
    Governments are increasingly acknowledging the role of public procurement in improving public sector productivity.

    The necessity for specialised education and training in this subject has arisen because of the realisation of the importance of fostering public sector procurement success. This can be achieved through having capable and adequately skilled public sector employees. There is a lack of procurement skills results in procurement malpractices, unethical conduct and studies show that challenges affecting procurement practices in the public sector have been directly associated with the inadequacy of procurement skills among practitioners. As such, the rationale for this qualification highlights the critical need for skilled procurement professionals in public sector procurement, which plays a pivotal role in effective governance.

    The qualification prepares learners to navigate the complex systems governing the flow of products and services. In addition to mastering these technical aspects, learners are also trained in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, essential skills that empower them to handle challenges effectively and make informed decisions in the procurement and supply chain sector.

    The typical range of learners includes school leavers looking to pursue a career in public sector procurement and individuals currently working in the field of public sector procurement. These individuals include public servants in finance and public sector procurement, the state, corporate governance officials, and consultants, private business and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with government. The qualification will provide access to higher education for persons wishing to pursue or further their careers in public sector procurement
    It serves as a pathway towards similar qualifications pitched at an NQF Level 6 and 7.

    Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions:
  • Procurement Officer
  • Buyer
  • Procurement Administrator
  • Supply Chain Administrator
  • Transport and Logistics Administrator
  • Dispatcher
  • Transport Administrator
  • Warehouse Administrator

    These are just a few examples of the career paths that graduates of the Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement can pursue. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution recognises the important role that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring equitable access and participation in Higher Education. In this process, non-formal and/or informal learning are measured, evaluated, and checked for equivalence or parity with the formal qualification entry requirements. The RPL assessment process will focus on ways of evaluating a person's knowledge and skills acquired through lifelong learning experiences (formal, non-formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria.

    RPL Process:
    Learners are required to submit an RPL application and the institution RPL committee shall meet and provide outcomes regarding all RPL applications that are presented before the committee for decisions and recommendations regarding entry into the qualifications which prospective RPL candidates have applied for. The decisions are communicated by the committee to the relevant stakeholders in the enrolment department. The RPL process focuses on establishing whether the student has acquired competence in the following areas:
  • Basic theoretical knowledge
  • Practical competence
  • Reflective competence
  • Applied competence

    The RPL applicant must:
  • Be at least 23 years of age for undergraduate qualifications and at least 30 years of age for postgraduate qualifications
    Applicants must demonstrate relevant professional work experience as follows:
  • Undergraduate Qualifications: A minimum of 3 years of related work experience.
  • Postgraduate Diplomas: A minimum of 4 years of related work experience.
  • Honours Qualifications: A minimum of 5 years of related work experience.
  • Master's Qualifications: A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience.
  • Submit a detailed Portfolio of Evidence with documents required to substantiate RPL application
  • Provide a comprehensive CV with detailed working experience
  • Submit certified copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
  • Provide a signed personal letter of motivation
  • Submit all relevant and appropriate certificates for short courses or trainings (formally, informally, or non-formal) completed to support the motivation to be accepted for the qualification through RPL and as evidence of continuous assessment and learning

    Or
  • Produce a letter from the Human Resources (HR) Department for relevant and appropriate short courses or trainings (formally, informally, or non-formal) completed to support the motivation to be accepted for the qualification through RPL and as evidence of continuous assessment and learning for those who are not in possession of certificates
  • For all Master's qualifications- Submit a signed Recommendation letter written by a reputable person to be provided as an endorsement of the Applicants qualities, capabilities, performance and suitability for the qualification
  • Sign a Declaration to confirm English Language and IT proficiency

    NB: If the applicant's highest accredited qualification has been completed within 5 years to date of the application period, the applicant has to articulate onto the appropriate qualification

    All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
  • The applicant's motivation;
  • Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references, linked to a portfolio of evidence;
  • The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience;
    Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved;
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives; and
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    RPL for access:
    Assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework required. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning.
    All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits
  • Supply Chain Diligence, 15 Credits.
  • Materials Handling in the Public Sector, 15 Credits.
  • Public Procurement and Supply Tools, 15 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Public Finance, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of Public Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Legal Issues in Public Sector Procurement, 15 Credits.
  • Public Sector Procurement and Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
  • Managing Supply Chain Relationships, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, and relationship management within supply chain networks to enhance coordination and stakeholder engagement.
    2. Discuss appropriate tools, technologies, and diligence practices to support sustainable, transparent, and ethical procurement decisions.
    3. Evaluate the legal and regulatory environment to determine its influence on public finance and procurement operations.
    4. Analyse the constitutional, legal, and ethical foundations to demonstrate how they govern public administration and procurement.
    5. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of public procurement, supply chain management, and materials handling within the public sector to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply communication strategies to convey information accurately and effectively within supply chain networks.
  • Employ collaboration and teamwork practices to build constructive relationships, enhance coordination, and ensure accountability among stakeholders.
  • Apply interpersonal and conflict management skills to maintain professional and ethical engagement with colleagues, clients, and supply chain partners

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Procurement tools, software, and technological applications are applied to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in public sector procurement processes.
  • Supply chain diligence practices are implemented to monitor, evaluate, and mitigate risks while promoting responsible and ethical procurement decisions.
  • Performance information from procurement and supply chain systems is analysed to support informed, compliant, and value-driven decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Key legislative frameworks and treasury regulations are interpreted to assess their impact on public finance and procurement operations. Legal provisions, financial controls, and policy directives are analysed to determine their effect on budgeting, expenditure management, and accountability in the public sector.
  • Regulatory and institutional mechanisms are evaluated to demonstrate how they guide procurement decisions, reinforce fiscal discipline, and support transparent and ethical financial management practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Constitutional principles are interpreted to explain their role in promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in public administration and procurement.
  • Legislative frameworks and Treasury Regulations are applied to ensure compliance and support effective procurement procedures.
  • Ethical standards and professional codes of conduct are analysed to demonstrate how integrity and responsible decision-making strengthen governance and public trust.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Procurement and supply chain management theories and principles are applied in practical public sector contexts to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
  • Public procurement procedures are implemented in accordance with legislative frameworks and organisational policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money.
  • Materials handling and inventory management practices are demonstrated to optimise resource use, minimise waste, and support sustainable and cost-effective procurement operations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment at the institution requires careful consideration in implementing formative and summative assessment methods, which offer an inclusive and holistic view of learners' learning. Assessments are aligned with the pre-defined learning outcomes per module, culminating with the qualification exit level outcomes.

    Formative and summative assessments are diverse in nature, and these encompass knowledge check questions, case studies, and scenario-based questions. Formative assessments allow for regular feedback to Learners, highlighting areas of success and improvement. Summative assessments evaluate learners' learning after their learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provision of feedback not only to Learners but also internally, whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessments, assessment practices and the continuous improvement of the qualification.

    Assessment Type, Method, and Description:
    The assessment method for each module is :
    Formative Assessments these are online assessments. These assessments are in the form of multiple choice, true/false or a combination of both.
    Summative Assessment: This assessment is in the form of a project and requires calculations and/or application to relevant theory.
    Formative Assessment: counts 40% and Summative Assessment 60% towards the final mark
    To pass a module, a sub-minimum of 50% is required in each form of assessment, and a final combined mark of 50% is required. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Canada
    Name of Institution: University of Guelph
    Name of qualification: Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement

    Purpose of Qualification:
    To learn how to form strategic sourcing decisions, utilise various methods of procurement, manage the competitive bidding process, and navigate stakeholder, supplier and vendor relationships from negotiation to dissolution. While more broadly applicable, courses focus on a public sector context and utilise examples from school board and municipal environments.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe the processes, techniques, and tools utilised in public procurement
  • Identify, interpret, mitigate, and respond to legal, ethical, and legislative aspects that impact public procurement
  • Apply strategies and tactics to effectively manage and continuously improve day-to-day functions related to public procurement
  • Employ a working knowledge of best practices in competitive bid development and contract management
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage internal and external stakeholders, suppliers, and vendors within various points of the procurement life cycle, including sourcing, bidding, evaluating, negotiating, contracting, executing, and measuring
  • Explain the importance and implications of ethical conduct and professionalism within public procurement
  • Utilise sound practices to employ documentation management best practices throughout the procurement life cycle to ensure compliance and prepare for potential audits

    Content:
  • Principles of Supply Chain Management
  • Sourcing and Competitive Bidding
  • Negotiation and Resolution
  • Contract Management for Supply Chain Management
  • Vendor Management
  • Project Management

    Similarities:
  • The South African Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement and the Canadian Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement share several key similarities.
  • Both qualifications aim to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective procurement in the public sector.
  • Both qualifications highlight the importance of procurement's role in ensuring service delivery and managing resources within public institutions.
  • Both qualifications emphasise the need for graduates to understand and navigate the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks that govern public procurement.
  • Both qualifications also focus on developing the ability to manage supplier and stakeholder relationships effectively, a key component in procurement and supply chain management.
  • Both qualifications include essential topics related to procurement processes, such as supply chain management principles, ethical decision-making, and legal considerations, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to handle procurement challenges in the public sector.
  • Each qualification includes key modules on contract management, public procurement regulations, and supply chain management, aiming to develop professionals capable of managing public sector contracts effectively and ethically.
  • Both qualifications offer a group of core modules with no electives.
  • In terms of mode of delivery, both qualifications are offered in the distance mode of education.
  • Lastly, both programs cater to working professionals, offering flexible learning formats.

    Differences:
  • There are several differences between South Africa's Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement and Canada's Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement.
  • The SA Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement is explicitly focused on public sector procurement and supply chain management to support effective service delivery and economic development. In contrast, the Canadian Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement qualification emphasises practical aspects of managing procurement across both public and private sectors, with a broader scope covering strategic sourcing and vendor management.
  • The SA Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification highlights the understanding of public finance, procurement regulations, and ethical practices within a public sector context. On the other hand, the Canadian Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement qualification places a stronger emphasis on competitive bidding processes, contract management, and audit preparation.
  • The SA qualification includes specific modules on public administration, public finance, and legal issues tailored to the public sector, making it more specialised. Contrastingly, the Canadian Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement qualification covers a wider range of supply chain management topics, such as project management and negotiation, which are applicable to both public and private sector procurement.

    Country: Tanzania
    Name of Institution: Open University of Tanzania
    Name of qualification: Technician Certificate in Procurement

    Purpose of Qualification:
    The qualification is designed to equip, develop knowledge and competencies which allow learners to work towards nationally recognised standards of service excellence within the field of business and non-commercial sectors. It is also designed to meet the needs of learners who are in Business field or wish to develop careers in the field of procurement and supply. On successful completion of this qualification, learners should be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills and values needed in procurement and supply field, apply entrepreneurial skills necessary for understanding and establishing small multifarious businesses, apply analytical techniques in solving business challenges or problems and manage business resources for better outcomes.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills and values needed in procurement and supply chain field
  • Apply entrepreneurial skills necessary for understanding and establishing small multifarious businesses,
  • Apply analytical techniques in solving business challenges or problems and manage business resources for better outcomes

    Content:
  • Basic Store Keeping
  • Basic Procurement Principles
  • Elementary Business Mathematics
  • English Communication Skills
  • Elementary Commercial Knowledge
  • Life Skills
  • Introduction to Public Procurements
  • Entrepreneurship Skills
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Bookkeeping
  • Field Practical

    Similarities:
  • Both the South Africa (SA) Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification and the Open University of Tanzania's Technician Certificate in Procurement qualification share common goals in preparing graduates for the procurement and supply chain field.
  • Both qualifications serve as entry-level qualifications, offering foundational knowledge in procurement and supply chain management.
  • Both qualifications aim to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in procurement, with a focus on public procurement principles in both qualifications. In terms of learning outcomes, both emphasise the development of skills needed to address business and procurement challenges.
  • Both qualifications introduce basic procurement principles and public procurement practices, ensuring that learners are familiar with the core components of the procurement process.

    Differences:
  • There are several key differences between South Africa's Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification and Tanzania's Technician Certificate in Procurement programme qualification.
  • In terms of purpose, the SA Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification focuses specifically on the public sector, aiming to enhance procurement's role in effective service delivery and economic development, while Tanzania's Technician Certificate in Procurement qualification has a broader focus, designed to develop competencies for both business and non-commercial sectors.
  • The SA qualification prioritises understanding public finance, supply chain diligence, and ethical decision-making within the public sector, whereas Tanzania's qualification incorporates entrepreneurial skills and analytical techniques geared towards establishing small businesses and managing resources.
  • The SA Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement curriculum is more specialised, with modules tailored to public procurement, public administration, and legal issues, while the Open University of Tanzania's Technician Certificate in Procurement qualification offers a more general curriculum, covering basic procurement principles, bookkeeping, and life skills, which are broader and more foundational.
  • The SA Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification is offered through distance mode of delivery. On the other hand, Tanzania's Technician Certificate in Procurement qualification is offered according to the blended mode of delivery.

    Conclusion:
    In conclusion, the South African Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement qualification stands out as a highly specialised and focused qualification when benchmarked against comparable international qualifications, such as the Canadian Certificate in Supply Chain Management for Public Procurement and the Tanzania Technician Certificate in Procurement.
    The South African qualification is distinguished by its concentrated emphasis on public sector procurement and supply chain, public finance, regulatory frameworks, and ethical practices essential to the South African and broader public sector environment. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Public Administration and Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Logistics Practitioner, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Public Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Public Procurement Management, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    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.