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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Control weeds manually in plant propagation and landscaping 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119694  Control weeds manually in plant propagation and landscaping 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Identify weeds commonly found in the workplace.
  • Control weeds in containers, plant beds, turf grass and landscape areas.
  • Apply the correct weeding techniques.
  • Utilize knowledge of the manual weeding practices in the maintenance of landscapes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Demonstrate knowledge of communication and numeracy at Abet Level 3 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Safe and effective removal of annual and perennial weeds to ensure favourable growing conditions for desirable plants. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the objectives of weed control. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Reduce competition from weeds for light, water and nutrients. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: depriving desirable plants of light, nutrients and water, annual and perennial weeds, weeds that set seed early and produce a fresh crop of weed seedlings, weeds that grow easily from stolons, bulbs, corms and rhizomes, weeds that re-grow from a tough root system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect that weeds have on desirable plants is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The rapid re-establishment of weeds is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of the correct timing of weed control is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    As soon as possible, before seed is set. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select the tools and equipment for manual weed removal. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: Weeding fork, hoe, slasher, spade, fork, trowel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The suitability of the tools or equipment for the removal of the specific weeds is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The inspection of the cleanliness and working order of the tools and equipment is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select the personal protective equipment needed to remove weeds by hand. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: gloves, overalls, safety shoes, boots, eye protection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The suitability of the selection of personal protective equipment for the hazards posed by the specific weeds to be removed, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The inspection and testing of the selected equipment for the correct working condition, is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify common weeds and their regenerative processes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: annual and perennial weeds commonly found in the workplace, life cycle of weeds, reproductive / regenerative characteristics of weeds, seed setting period, roots, stolons, bulbs, corms, broad leaf weeds, grasses, sedges. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The major weeds are classified and examples of each are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The stages in the life cycle / development of weeds, where removal is essential, are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The removal of weeds around shallow rooted plants is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Minimize disturbance of the roots of desirable plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The inspection, to ensure that the weeds have been effectively removed, is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Importance of not leaving bulbs, corms and stolons in the soil. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate a knowledge of the preparation and procedures for effective removal of weeds. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Water before weeding to minimize damage to roots of neighbouring plants.
  • Soften soil / growing medium to facilitate removal of bulbs and roots, corms and stolons.
  • Loosening the soil around the stem of a weed. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why the area to be weeded must first be well watered, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why the soil should be loosened around the weed's stem before it is removed, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for the removal of weeds are demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Conduct effective weed disposal. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to: compostable weeds or portions of weeds, seeds, bulbs and corms that are capable of reproducing after being subjected to a composting cycle, role of an incinerator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The weeds that should not be added to the compost heap are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for handling and disposal of non-compostable weeds are demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome and must be assessed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving: Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the objectives of weed control.
  • Identify common weeds and their regenerative processes.
  • Conduct effective weed disposal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork: Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.
  • Specific outcome is embedded in the learning for this level of learner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self organization and management: Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Identify common weeds and their regenerative processes.
  • Demonstrate the preparation and procedures for effective removal of weeds. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation: Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the objectives of weed control.
  • Identify common weeds and their regenerative processes.
  • Demonstrate the preparation and procedures for effective removal of weeds.
  • Conduct effective weed disposal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication: Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Specific outcome is embedded in the learning for this level of learner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Science and Technology: Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Select the tools and equipment for manual weed removal.
  • Select the personal protective equipment needed to remove weeds by hand.
  • Conduct effective weed disposal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems: Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the objectives of weed control.
  • Identify common weeds and their regenerative processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
  • Hold an assessor certificate according to the current requirements.
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the horticultural industry, specifically as it relates to ornamental aspects. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The Learner
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication / reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49668   General Education and Training Certificate: Horticulture  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. Amaloba Horticultural Services 
    2. Asolwandle Services Pty Ltd 
    3. Asqhakaze (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    5. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    6. Ecowise Landscape 
    7. Ezolimo Training and Supply Pty Ltd 
    8. Green Futures 
    9. Gugu Emihle 
    10. House of Elegance Trading 
    11. HYGRO TRAINING COLLEGE (Pty) LTD 
    12. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    13. Kara Heritage Institute 
    14. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    15. Kimbali Holdings 
    16. Kings Way Garden Services Pty Ltd 
    17. LAS 74 Trading 
    18. Lina and Arenes Catering 
    19. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    20. Maishamalema Development Training 
    21. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    22. Medu Skills Consultants 
    23. Mloslo Farming and Landscaping pty ltd 
    24. Nkangala Public FET College - Central Office 
    25. Nophelo Training Centre 
    26. Ntandoyenkosi Consulting and trading 
    27. Progressive Environmental Projects 
    28. Qhakazani Skills Development and Projects 
    29. Radiragatsa Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    31. Selula Ulwazi Pty Ltd 
    32. Seza Bantu Rural Agricultural Projects 
    33. Sivukangomusa Landscaping and Agriculture Primary Co-Operative Limited 
    34. Sobethu Skills and Development 
    35. Voyano Project Management 
    36. Waterberg FET College - Central Office 


    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.