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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 qualification aims to enable learners to develop skills in Public Sector Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Thus learners will be able to promote effective service delivery and economic development as well as to be able to perform their roles effectively.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with a sound understanding of the core issues in public sector procurement and supply chain management. It includes a foundation in Public Administration and the legal and governance aspects of public sector procurement including Batho Pele principles. The qualification focuses on providing a mix of theoretical and practical elements of public sector procurement taking into account the practice guide released by National Treasury. The focus of the qualification is on application of theory and the development of decision-making abilities in a supply chain context. The qualification is designed to equip learners with the skills to function within the public sector procurement environment. The qualification draws on the different sub-disciplines of supply chain management in terms of the content.

Rationale:
The Higher Certificate in Public Sector Procurement [HCert (Public Sector Procurement)] will enable learners from both South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, to develop their supply chain management skills and strengthen their understanding of the area of public sector procurement. The HCert (Public Sector Procurement) is directed at those employed within the public service as well as those aspiring to enter procurement in the public sector.

Service delivery is a core function of the government and in recent times, service delivery has been marred by numerous strikes, disputes, civil unrest, protests, fraud, and corruption. The media and society have also painted a poor image of the public service in South Africa. Since procurement and supply chain management is at the heart of service delivery in providing essential services, the state must ensure they source or procurement materials, engage with suppliers and vendors, balance the objectives of government, business and the community, and also ensure efficient, sustainable and reliable service delivery. Furthermore the public sector is constantly under public and political scrutiny because public funds are being utilised. Thus procurement is central to ensuring that government has the means to deliver and provide services to the public. At present, procurement is being used as a policy tool to address past injustices and discriminatory practices.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) maintains that in many countries around the world, the state is often the single largest buyer in the country. This further emphasises the important role played by public sector procurement as well as the added role of responsible procurement by Supply Chain Practitioners in the public sector. Working in this specialised function requires specialist knowledge and relevant qualifications. The OECD has also pointed out that a major contributor to malpractice is the combination of a lack of due diligence and a lack of appropriately skilled professionals. The Minister of Higher Education and Training has highlighted the scarcity of skilled procurement and supply chain management professionals and the lack of skilled Supply Chain Practitioners and buyers. It is on these premises that the HCert (Public Sector Procurement) is developed.

Developing the required skills for the economy entails providing access to relevant Supply Chain Management qualifications, which is a key objective of the HCert (Public Sector Procurement). The qualification responds to the current situation in which there is a lack of appropriately skilled and qualified Public Sector Procurement Specialists. The qualification further responds to the current lack of qualifications within this field. Despite the importance of the procurement function in the public sector there are a limited number of qualifications in public sector procurement and supply chain management in South Africa.

The HCert (Public Sector Procurement) will provide access to higher education for persons wishing to pursue or further their careers in public sector procurement. The qualification will promote due diligence, accountability, professionalism, and sustainability within the public sector procurement function. This is necessary in promoting the national imperatives of service delivery and economic development through the proper use of public funds.

With the need for skills and the scarcity of qualifications in public sector procurement and supply chain management, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of the following attributes:
  • Analytical thinking.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Ethical conduct.
  • Due diligence.
  • Customer oriented. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification may be obtained in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

    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, maturity and realistic approach to the studies.
  • 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.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the programme.

    Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The maximum amount of 'specific' credit granted is 50%.

    Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement is:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules worth 15 Credits each totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Principles of Public Administration.
  • Fundamentals of Public Finance.
  • Legal Issues in Public Sector Procurement.
  • Public Sector Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
  • Managing Supply Chain Relationships.
  • Supply Chain Diligence.
  • Logistics and Materials Handling.
  • Public Procurement and Supply Tools. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain the role of procurement in the public sector.
    2. Execute duties confidently within the legal framework in the public regulatory procurement environment.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying theories and principles underpinning Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
    4. Manage procurement processes at a junior level within supply chain management in the public sector.
    5. Apply supply chain knowledge within the area of public procurement and supply chain management.
    6. Provide an effective administration service at a practitioner level of the public sector. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand the scope and impact of procurement and supply chain decisions in the context of the public sector.
  • Explain the concepts of due diligence and transparency.
  • Appreciate the responsibilities of procurement and supply chain management in due diligence.
  • Outline the ethical considerations in procurement and supply chain management.
  • Recognise the risks involved in procurement and propose methods of mitigating these risks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand the functioning of the South African legal system.
  • Understand the laws governing commercial transactions.
  • Develop contracts in keeping with legal requirements.
  • Understand the influence of the South African Constitution on public sector procurement.
  • Work within the parameters of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
  • Make decisions in keeping with public sector supply chain management regulations.
  • Understand moral hazards and the issue of agency.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understand the composition of the public supply chain.
  • Have an informed understanding of the concepts, theories and facts in public sector procurement.
  • Understand the National Treasury guidelines for supply chain management in the public sector.
  • Outline the role of the procurement function as a tool for promoting economic development.
  • Describe the different role players in the public supply chain.
  • Understand preferential procurement.
  • Engage in demand management.
  • Use theories to guide the selection and application of methods to manage the bidding process and bid evaluations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand the contribution of logistics and materials management to procurement and supply chain management in the public sector.
  • Utilise appropriate techniques to identify materials and material requirements.
  • Analyse incoming shipments for correctness.
  • Be knowledgeable about warehouses and warehouse management systems.
  • Understand the various techniques for stock keeping and stores operations.
  • Understand the process of materials handling.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Map a value chain for a product or service.
  • Understand the position and role of procurement and supply chain management in the value chain.
  • Segment suppliers for category sourcing strategies.
  • Understand the complexities in international procurement.
  • Be familiar with the various electronic tools for procurement.
  • Understand the process of buying capital equipment and service buying.
  • Describe the role of procurement in purchasing from small businesses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Perform administrative tasks at a service level determined by the particular government service sector office.
  • Understand and apply administrative policies and procedures to ensure the provision of effective and efficient administrative service.
  • Explain the main roles and responsibilities of each level of government in South Africa in terms of how the roles and responsibilities contribute to the objectives of the public sector.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Both formative and summative assessments will be used to determine the following:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts.
  • The application of theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Assessment methods will measure the extent to which the learners have achieved competence in the different areas of study.

    These assessment methods include:
  • Assignments (Report writing, interpretative and analytical problem solving and research).
  • Written Examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Global Standard for Procurement and Supply is used by individuals and organisations to enhance performance. The Global Standard in Procurement and Supply sets the benchmark for the competencies that individuals should attain in procurement and supply at all levels and across all sectors.

    It helps individuals to identify current operating skills and abilities and what is needed to progress.

    Organisations of all types can benchmark their procurement professionals against the competencies in the Standard and identify any skills and capability gaps.

    For entry level practitioners, they are required to demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Capabilities in the use of systems, to identify opportunities for the development of systems technology to improve Procurement and Supply Chain Management. The impact of internet based technologies and the use of data base information technology systems is key to the ability of the organisation to manage its expenditures on goods and services.
  • Recognising the contribution that effective procurement and supply can make in organisations and in supply chains.
  • Recognising how the external environment influences procurement and supply. Personnel working in procurement and supply roles need to understand how markets can be influenced by changes in the external environment to enable appropriate actions to be taken to ensure that the organisation can develop opportunities, ensure compliance to regulatory standards and minimise disruption with its suppliers and supply chains.
  • Make positive contributions to the success of the organisation through effective purchasing, effective inventory control, controlling expenditure and the use of strategic procurement and supply techniques, including category management and strategic sourcing.
  • Create robust contractual arrangements with the organisation's supply chain to ensure positive outcomes in cost, time and quality.
  • Formulate selection criteria and sourcing strategies so that the organisation will achieve the appropriate choice of supplier for bought out goods, services or works.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably by ensuring that the graduates attain the necessary competencies as set out by the Global Standard for Procurement and Supply. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA):

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Level 5 (ID 93708).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management, Level 7 (ID 85207).
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management, Level 7 (ID 97823).

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Logistics Management, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management, Level 7.
  • Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 6. 
    		•

    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.