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: 

Describe process control systems for processing diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253815  Describe process control systems for processing diamond gemstones 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector, or who are required to participate in the processing of diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Outline the basis upon which diamond gemstones are valued.
  • Describe the stages of processing diamond gemstones.
  • Describe the controls in the process to ensure that the diamond gemstone is processed to the design, quality and productivity required.
  • Explain the consequences of non-adherence to process control systems.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Outline the basis upon which diamond gemstones are valued. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic elements of diamond valuation are explained in terms of international standards, the four Cs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The four C's include:
  • Colour.
  • Clarity.
  • Carat weight.
  • Cut.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The implication of processing on affecting the basic elements of diamond valuation is explained in terms of the key activity performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of maintaining critical aspects of the gemstone in processing is explained in relation to the effect on later processes and the basic elements of valuation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance is explained of having practices and procedures to maintain the integrity of product at each stage of processing. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the stages of processing diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The stages in the processing of diamond gemstones are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stages must include:
  • Sorting and marking.
  • Parting.
  • Preparation.
  • Bruting.
  • Polishing.
  • Evaluation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purposes of each stage are described and explained in terms of the key activity performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of separation of activities is explained and the importance of control over the outcomes of each stage is explained in relation to the effect on later processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance is explained of having practices and procedures to maintain the integrity of products, tools, equipment and safety standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the controls in the process to ensure that the diamond gemstone is processed to the design, quality and productivity required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The controls applied to ensure that design instructions are carried out are explained in accordance with general principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    General principles must include:
  • Parcel instructions.
  • Weight control.
  • Quality control.
  • Security and accountability.
  • Safety and housekeeping.
  • Meeting output requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The controls required for the different stages are explained in terms of general principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The controls applied in the different stages of processing are explained in relation to how the critical elements of each operation are monitored through the control systems of the workplace. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the consequences of non-adherence to process control systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The critical elements in the valuation of diamond gemstones are described in terms of risk during the stages of processing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Critical elements must include:
  • Cut.
  • Clarity.
  • Carat weight.
  • Colour.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of productivity in the different stages are explained in relation to output expectations, quality features and the dangers of inappropriate processing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and profitability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of good housekeeping is explained in terms of preserving the value of diamonds, safety of personnel and protection of tools and equipment. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard.

    Knowledge relating to the structure of diamond processing:
  • Understanding the system of processing and the reasons therefore.
  • Appreciating the stages of gemstone processing and the need for division of responsibilities.
  • Understanding the role-players and their responsibilities in the cutting and polishing process.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Understanding the legal aspects of controlling diamonds being processed.
  • Realising the requirements of law regarding possession of diamonds.
  • Understanding the importance of management control over diamonds in the context of the law.

    Compliance:
  • Adherence to security protocols.
  • Adherence of quality protocols.
  • Personal liability for non-compliance.
  • Employer's responsibility to manage stone weight and finish.
  • The significance of proportion in diamond values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to understand the need for control systems to attain safety, quality and productivity standards requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with other members of the industry to acquire information and insight about the industry. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to collect and collate information in order to understand and explain the requirements of the law and good practice in controlling the processing of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to explain process control systems indicates the candidate's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to appreciate the criticality of proportion, the significance of angles and the treatment of gemstones in determining the value of diamonds. 
    		•

    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 
    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 3; Well developed range.
  • Procedures; Level 3; Significant choice.
  • Context; Level 3; Must apply in all processing contexts.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 3; Interpretation of relevant information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; A range of known responses to familiar problems, based on judgement about the value of the gemstone.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2.5; Directed with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Under general supervision.
    Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output.

    Average Level = 25.5/9 = 2.833.
    Actual Level Assigned = 3.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 6 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 6 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 12 Hours.

    Total = 24.

    Credits Achieved = 24/10 = 2.4.
    Credits Assigned = 2. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  64249   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    4. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    5. DE BEERS SIGHTHOLDER SALES SOUTH AFRICA PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    6. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    7. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    8. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    9. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    10. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    11. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    12. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    13. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    14. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    15. PPC Ltd 
    16. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    17. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    18. ZUREL PRIVATE COLLEGE 


    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.