Student Experience - News #DHET

Proposed Innovations: Future Engineering Qualifications in South Africa

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:30:46 +0000

The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is introducing new occupational engineering qualifications aimed at enhancing graduates’ employability prospects. These qualifications are designed to replace the older National Accredited Technical Education Diplomas (NATED), which are currently being phased out, according to QCTO CEO Vijayen Naidoo.

An occupational qualification, as defined by the QCTO, pertains to a trade, occupation, or profession acquired through practical, work-based learning. These qualifications are highly valued for their incorporation of real-world experience and their alignment with industry demands, increasing graduates' chances of securing employment.

Naidoo emphasises the necessity for updating old qualifications to meet current industry requirements, stating, “Our objective is to elevate the quality and relevance of vocational education and training in South Africa.” He asserts that the new qualifications will better equip graduates with specific skills sought by employers, thereby enhancing their employability upon graduation.

The QCTO, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), is actively working on a transition plan to modernize the qualification framework to meet contemporary industry needs. This initiative involves replacing outdated qualifications, as well as reviewing and realigning old NATED curricula to reflect current industry standards.

The proposed engineering qualifications include five electrical and two mechanical engineering programmes, as detailed in the accompanying table. Notably, the two mechanical engineering qualifications will introduce entirely new curricula under the New Qualification Regulation (NQR) category, distinct from any existing NATED programmes.

Additionally, among the electrical engineering qualifications, the electrical equipment maintenance specialist and electrical engineering draftsperson will also be new entries. The remaining engineering diplomas, categorised as Recognised Prior Learning Occupational Qualifications (RROQ), will replace outdated NATED programmes. These include the electronic engineering technician and two electrical engineering technician qualifications.

No.	Qualification Part-qualification	Qualification type	Qualification descriptor	NQF level	Credits	Curriculum code	**RHRQ/ RROQ/ RRPQ/ NQR
1	Qualification	Occupational diploma	Electronic engineering technician (automation)	6	418	311401-001-00-00	RROQ
2	Qualification	Occupational certificate	Electrical equipment maintenance specialist	6	121	311401-001-00-01	NQR
3	Qualification	Advanced occupational certificate	Electrical engineering draftsperson	6	159	311401-001-00-01	NQR
4	Qualification	Occupational diploma	Electrical engineering technician (automation)	6	431	311301-001-00-00	RROQ
5	Qualification	Occupational diploma	Electrical engineering technician (automation)	6	417	311501-001-00-00	RROQ
6	Qualification	Advanced occupational certificate	Mechanical designer	6	185	311501-001-00-02	NQR
7	Qualification	Advanced occupational certificate	Mechanical maintainer and repairer	6	233	311501-002-00-01	NQR

**RHRQ: Replace historically registered qualification RROQ: Replace registered occupational qualification RRPQ: Replace registered part qualification NQR: No qualification replacement

Call for Comments: New RPL Implementation Framework for PSET Sector

Thu, 30 May 2024 10:07:53 +0000

All comments should reach the department no later than 12:00 on Saturday, 22 June 2024.

Dear Colleagues and Partners in Private Higher Education,

We are pleased to share an important update from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). On the 23rd of May 2024, the DHET issued a Call for Comments on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Implementation Framework in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) System. This announcement has been made under section 8(2)(b) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008) (NQF Act) by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bonginkosi Emmanuel Nzimande.

Access The Notice

Background and Purpose

The new RPL Implementation Framework has been developed following a comprehensive study conducted by the DHET in 2022 and after extensive consultation with stakeholders. This framework is set to replace the RPL Coordination Policy of 2016, aiming to enhance and streamline the recognition of prior learning across the PSET system.

Invitation for Public Comments

We encourage all interested parties within the private higher education sector to participate in this vital consultation process. Your feedback and insights will be instrumental in shaping the final framework. The DHET is inviting comments from individuals and organisations to ensure that the new framework reflects the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders.

How To Participate

For your convenience, we have attached the RPL Implementation Framework document to this blog post. We invite you to review the document and share your comments in writing. When submitting your comments, please ensure that you include the following information:

Name
Address
Telephone number
Email address
Institution or organisation (if applicable)

Submission Details

Contact Details for Submissions:

Mr Ditupa Fothane

Department of Higher Education and Training

fothane.d@dhet.gov.za

Download the RPL Implementation Framework

Download the Government Notice No. 4883

Download the "The RPL Implementation Framework in the PSET System"

Your Participation Matters

Your input is crucial to the development of an effective and inclusive RPL Implementation Framework. By contributing to this consultation process, you are helping to shape the future of recognition of prior learning in the PSET system.

Thank you for your engagement and support.

Newsflash: Damelin, CityVarsity and Lyceum Colleges Deregistered

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:18:19 +0000

In a significant development in the education sector, Damelin College, CityVarsity, and Lyceum colleges, along with Icesa City Campus, have been deregistered by the Department of Higher Education. The decision comes as these Educor institutions failed to submit financial certificates and annual reports, according to the Higher Education Department.

Official Notice of Cancellation on Register - March 2024

Nkosinathi Sishi, the Director-General of the department, announced the cancellation of registrations on Friday, March 22, 2024. Sishi highlighted the institutions' non-compliance with the law, citing their failure to submit annual financial statements for 2021 and 2022.

The repercussions of this move are significant, with thousands of students now facing uncertainty about their educational future. With the institutes slated for closure by the end of 2024, affected students will need to seek alternative places to pursue their studies from next year onwards.

What happens when an institution is deregistered?

When an institution is deregistered according to the Higher Education Act in South Africa, it essentially loses its legal authority to operate as an institution of higher education. This deregistration typically occurs due to serious violations or non-compliance with regulations set forth by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Here are some common consequences of deregistration:

Closure: The institution is required to cease its operations by a specified date. This closure often entails discontinuing all academic programs and services offered by the institution.
Loss of Accreditation: Deregistration often results in the loss of accreditation for the institution's academic programs. This means that any qualifications or degrees awarded by the institution may no longer be recognised or accepted.
Student Transfers: Students enrolled at the deregistered institution may need to transfer to other accredited institutions to continue their studies. The deregistered institution is typically responsible for facilitating this transfer process and ensuring minimal disruption to students' academic pursuits.
Financial and Legal Ramifications: Deregistration may lead to financial and legal consequences for the institution, including potential fines or legal action for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
Recovery or Closure: In some cases, deregistered institutions may have the opportunity to rectify the issues that led to deregistration and seek re-registration in the future. However, if the issues cannot be resolved, the institution may face permanent closure.

Overall, deregistration is a serious consequence for institutions of higher education in South Africa, and it can have far-reaching implications for students, staff, and the institution itself.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

DHET, CHE & QCTO 2021/22 Annual Performance Plans; with Minister and Deputy Minister

Tue, 18 May 2021 09:44:44 +0000

Meeting Date: 04 May 2021

Chairperson: Mr P Mapulane (ANC)

//www.youtube.com/embed/KCtyHezhbaM

Meeting Synopsis

The Committee met virtually with the Department of Higher Education and Training to receive briefings from the Council on Higher Education and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations on their strategic and annual performance plans.

The Minister's high level overview touched on pivotal matters in the higher education sector. These included the stabilisation of management in the Department, the skills development strategy, and the planned establishment of two new universities. Although increasing student funding would be welcomed, if it was done at the expense of the system, it would be tantamount to self-inflicted jeopardy and take the country backwards. Colleges were currently funded at the rate of 62%, instead of 80%. The Minister emphasised that increasing student funding would almost collapse the country’s public education system, with high rates of failure among students and a loss of personnel. Work on a comprehensive review of student funding, which would include the ‘missing middle’ students, had partially been done, and the a team was being assembled to assess the work already completed. From this comprehensive review, which would include the Heher Commission’s work, a concrete proposal on student funding would emanate and be presented to Cabinet before June.

The Department also announced key senior appointments, which were previously of great concern to the Committee. Some of its medium term strategic framework targets had had to be revised down due to budget shortfalls -- mainly in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and community education and training (CET) programmes – which had also affected the enrolment targets.

Members were concerned about the continuing increase in university enrolments in the face of the current challenges to the system, and expressed dismay that the budget for TVET colleges had been reduced in the midst of high unemployment rates among the youth, with three million who were not in education or employment. They were also concerned about the budget cuts over the medium term expenditure framework period, which were projected to amount to R20.8 billion. There was a risk that if student funding continued to grow at the expense of university subsidies, universities’ budgets would be constrained, and that would compromise the quality of education. The destruction of university property was strongly condemned by the Committee, which asked the Department for a quantified value of all properties that had been destroyed during student protests.

Members commended the Department for introducing skills programmes that were fit for purpose in TVETs and CETs, as they indicated active participation in the economic reconstruction and recovery plan (ERRP). These interventions would go a long way towards addressing the local skills needs.

Members asked questions about the ERRP; the skills development strategy; vacancy rates; the terms of reference of the steering committee on the establishment of the two new universities; funding shortfalls for the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); progress on the National Qualifications Framework Bill; the downward revision of enrolments at TVET and CET colleges; and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding model.

Access Meeting Documents

Meeting Details

Meeting Title:	National Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology: DHET, CHE & QCTO 2021/22 Annual Performance Plans; with Minister and Deputy Minister
Meeting Date:	4 May 2021
Meeting Chairperson:	Mr P Mapulane (ANC)
Meeting Transcript:	Access Here

Updated: Register of Private Higher Education Providers

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 20:13:06 +0000

Last Update: 21 September 2020

This register of private higher education institutions (hereafter referred to as the Register) is published in accordance with section 54(2)(a)(i) of the Higher

Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997)(hereafter referred to as the Act). In terms of section 56(1) (a), any member of the public has the right to inspect

the Register.

Download the Register