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: 

Plan and co-ordinate problem plant control programmes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
8408  Plan and co-ordinate problem plant control programmes 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2004-12-02  2007-12-02  SAQA 1657/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-12-02   2011-12-02  

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 
The qualifying learner assessed as competent against this unit standard will be able to plan and co-ordinate a problem plant control programme based on ecological principles and the empowerment of local communities. This competence contributes to attaining holistic management objectives and enhances the economic viability of communities and natural resources. Achieving this competence will enhance the qualifying learner's employability and serve as a basis for further learning. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • First aid certificate
  • OHS
  • Communication and Numeracy ABET 4 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Guides to the scope and complexity of the specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are provided in bullet points beneath each. These are prefaced by "for example" since they are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity.
    These are intended only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and locate problem plants, declared weeds and alien invasive plants. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Problem plants (alien and indigenous) can be correctly identified and their threat to the local environment is clearly understood.
  • Record location of problem plants on a map of the area. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the 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.


    Method of assessment:

    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.


    Integrated assessment:

    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
  • Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
  • Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (eg: reports from a third party)
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret the impact and / or dangers of problem plants on an ecosystem. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Impact of problem plants should be assessed in terms of the loss of water resources, grazing, habitat and the density and extent of the infestation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the 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.


    Method of assessment:

    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.


    Integrated assessment:

    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
  • Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
  • Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (eg: reports from a third party)
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Determine an appropriate approach to deal with the threat. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • The most effective and practical measure(s) to combat a specific problem are identified and applied. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the 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.


    Method of assessment:

    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.


    Integrated assessment:

    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
  • Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
  • Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (eg: reports from a third party)
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Supervise and coach personnel to control problem plants effectively and safely. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Safety aspects with respect to chemicals (e.g. active ingredients, application rates, storage, applicable legislation, ecological and social implications) should be strictly adhered to.
  • Emphasis must be placed on raising awareness of the dangers of using chemicals.
  • Waste products should be disposed of in an ecologically sensitive manner. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the 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.


    Method of assessment:

    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.


    Integrated assessment:

    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
  • Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
  • Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (eg: reports from a third party)
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Implement post operational procedures to ensure treated areas are followed up 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Implement post operational procedures to ensure treated areas are followed up and effected areas are managed effectively.
  • Localities of problem plants should be mapped as accurately as possible (e.g. GPS and on Ortho-photographs).
  • Follow-up plan should provide for short, medium and long-term actions.
  • Work programs should consider: training on use of tools; application techniques; summarise costs; man-days; efficiency indices; areas treated; chemicals used. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the 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.


    Method of assessment:

    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.


    Integrated assessment:

    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
  • Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
  • Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (eg: reports from a third party)
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Facilitate the utilisation of by-products where relevant. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Encourage the diverse utilisation of by-products should be encouraged e.g. sale of wood; manufacturing of charcoal and briquettes.
  • Involve local communities in problem plant control programmes.
  • Use participatory techniques to make significant differences in communities as a result of projects. Programmes should be planned for long-term benefit to communities. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the 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.


    Method of assessment:

    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.


    Integrated assessment:

    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
  • Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
  • Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (eg: reports from a third party)
     
    		•


    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 ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed under point 4 immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of :

    1. Plant identification techniques.
    2. Differences between alien and indigenous problem plants (aquatic and terrestrial).
    3. Differences between notifiable weeds and invasive plants.
    4. The impacts of problem plants on ecosystems.
    5. Basic identification of life cycles of problem plants.
    6. Basic mapping and location skills.
    7. Application techniques (chemical, biological and mechanical) (timing and methodology).
    8. The consequences of application techniques.
    9. The control of biological applications.
    10. Legal requirements with respect to the use of herbicides - registrations and other applicable legislation.
    11. Handling and storage of chemicals.
    12. Safety procedures with regards to chemicals and equipment used, including safe handling and disposal of containers and spilled herbicides - dilution factors
    13. Residual toxicity of chemicals in by-products.
    14. Ecotoxicology with respect to humans, fauna and flora (e.g. effects of poisons).
    15. Capacity building skills related to staff (e.g. Work for Water Project).
    16. Marketing of by-products (e.g. fire wood, charcoal etc.).
    17. Management units in planning of initial control and follow-up procedures.
    18. Power tool operation and maintenance. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    VALUES:

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:

    1. Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems
    2. Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity
    3. Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilisation of species and ecosystems
    4. 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
    Elective  20416   National Certificate: Conservation: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-03-12  Was CATHSSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  49626   National Certificate: Landcare Facilitation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Hlaudi Assets Vanguard Consultancy 
    3. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    4. Mbimbini Training and Community Development 


    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.