In a significant move to enhance the quality and implementation of higher education qualifications, the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) have announced a series of regional workshops. These workshops aim to address key concerns related to the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the implementation of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF).
This initiative follows the joint communiqué released by CHE and SAQA on 9 May 2024. The communiqué outlined the commitment to support institutions in reviewing their qualifications to ensure compliance with the Policy and Criteria for Registration of Qualifications and Part-Qualifications on the NQF. In response, CHE has sent detailed letters to institutions, informing them of the status of their qualifications. Institutions have been informed whether their qualifications have been re-registered, failed to meet the requirements, or have other concerns that need to be addressed.
Addressing Key Concerns
The letters sent to institutions also highlight the intention to use the re-registration process to address several critical issues, including:
- Naming of Qualifications: Ensuring the proper use of designators in qualification names.
- Proliferation of Qualifications: Managing the increasing number of qualifications listed on the NQF.
- Management of Specializations: Overseeing internal learning plans and the awarding of qualifications.
Workshop Objectives
The upcoming workshops are designed to facilitate engagement between institutions, CHE, and SAQA. They aim to provide a platform for discussing specific concerns related to HEQSF-aligned offerings and qualifications. Target participants include institutional personnel involved in the development and review of programmes, quality assurance officials, curriculum specialists, and officials in registrars' offices and offices of Deputy Vice Chancellors responsible for teaching and learning.
Schedule and Registration
Five regional workshops will be held physically, with dates and locations as follows:
- Western Cape: Cape Town, 04-05 July 2024 at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
- Gauteng: Johannesburg, 18-19 July 2024 at the University of Johannesburg.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban, 22-23 July 2024 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Nelspruit, 30-31 July 2024 at the University of Mpumalanga.
- Eastern Cape: 29-30 August 2024 at Walter Sisulu University.
Interested individuals are encouraged to register for the workshops by close of business on Monday, 24 June 2024. Registration links and further details can be found on the provided SurveyMonkey link. Depending on the level of interest, an additional workshop may be organized in Tshwane, Gauteng.
Engagement and Reflection
In addition to capacity building, these workshops will offer opportunities for institutions to reflect on their experiences with the HEQSF implementation. They will also provide a space for dialogue between institutions and regulators to address specific programmatic and qualification-related issues, as well as broader concerns related to the NQF.
The collaborative efforts of CHE and SAQA through these regional workshops underscore a commitment to maintaining high standards in higher education. By addressing pressing concerns and fostering an environment of continuous improvement, these workshops aim to enhance the quality and integrity of qualifications on the NQF.
For further clarity on any aspect of this communication, institutions can reach out to Dr. P. Dlamini via email at mheqsf@che.ac.za.
