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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Combat problem plants 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252453  Combat problem plants 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
8330  Combat problem plants  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at individuals involved in preservation and protection of flora from problem plants. The standard enables the relevant knowledge and skills required to ensure that the control of problem plants are conducted in line with sound conservation principles and will serve as a basis for further learning.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Identify all key target problem plant species in a conservation area.
  • Apply the appropriate control method(s) accurately and safely.
  • Operate and maintain equipment used in the control of problem plants.
  • Keep records of treated areas by means of a recognized method.
  • Carry out appropriate follow up procedures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.

    It is furthermore assumed that learners embarking on this unit standard are familiar with:
  • First aid
  • Orientate, navigate, use and create maps in conservation areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify all key target problem plant species in a conservation area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept "problem plants" is defined as it applies to nature conservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Problem plants in the area of operation is identified and listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The harmful impact that these plants have on the environment is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply the appropriate control method(s) accurately and safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A suitable method of control is applied while taking relevant factors into consideration. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The species involved, their density, their size and stage in their life cycle as well as local management policy.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A justification is given for the method of control that was selected and applied. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Chemical, biological & integrated and mechanical.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages and disadvantages of the methods used is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate control methods are applied safely. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate and maintain equipment used in the control of problem plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A demonstration is given of competence in handling and maintaining equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Backpack sprays, axes, pangas and chainsaws (requires special training), calibration of application equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate tools are selected for the task on hand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Selected tools are operated safely and efficiently according to operational and manufacturer's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is maintained in good working order. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Keep records of treated areas by means of a recognized method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Areas where problem plants have been identified and/or treated is indicated on suitable maps for record keeping purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The plants treated and their precise location is recorded on a area map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area of operation is located by means of appropriate markings on a map in order to keep record of treated areas. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Carry out appropriate follow up procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A map or other reference is used to locate previously treated areas to enable follow up procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact/success of previous intervention(s) is monitored to identify the need for follow up procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity for further intervention is assessed through evaluation of the impact of previous interventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An accurate record is kept of findings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Follow up treatment is implemented where necessary. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this Unit Standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA.
  • In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements.
  • Any institution offering learning towards this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Understanding of why a particular method has been selected.
  • Identification of local problem plants (aquatic and terrestrial).
  • Application techniques (chemical, biological and mechanical) effects and consequences.
  • Chemical handling, mixing and storage.
  • Safety procedures with respect to chemicals, protective clothing and equipment.
  • Equipment operation and maintenance (axes, pangas, sprays, power tools and chemical applicators).
  • Basic knowledge of target species (aliens and indigenous).
  • Measuring skills.
  • Locating of specific positions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage own activities:
  • The control of problem plants and the keeping of accurate records require the learner to work in a methodical and systematic manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology:
  • It is important for a learner to understand what "problem plants" are and why they are a problem. A sound knowledge, at an elementary level, of some botanical and ecological principles is an essential part of the learning contemplated in this unit standard. The unit standard emphasizes the effective use of chemical, biological and mechanical methods of control of problem plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    See the world as a set of interrelated systems:
  • A clear understanding of ecological principles related to problem plants is essential for successfully completing this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 8330, "Combat problem plants", Level 2, 3 credits.

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilisation of species and ecosystems.
  • Thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59389   National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    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. Machabelele Associates 


    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.