NATIONAL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK

The NQF is the set of principles and guidelines by which records of learner achievement are registered to enable national recognition of acquired skills and knowledge, thereby ensuring an integrated system that encourages life-long learning.

In late 2007, the Ministers of Education and Labour published a joint policy statement on Enhancing the Efficacy and Efficiency of the National Qualifications Framework. This joint Ministerial Statement brought to an end the review of NQF implementation that had been running since 2001. In it SAQA's role at the apex of the education and training landscape and the aims of the NQF were re-affirmed. It also presaged legislation that would put in place a new structure for the NQF such that three sub-frameworks would be established under three Quality Councils (General and Further Education and Training, Higher Education and Trades and Occupations). The National Qualifications Framework Act No 67 of 2008 gives legislative effect to the new policy.

The new Act aims to strengthen South Africa's NQF and seeks to ensure the various elements of the education and training system are brought together more effectively. Furthermore, it seeks to streamline implementation of the NQF and to make it more responsive to the country's needs. The original goals of the NQF, including the concept of an integrated approach to education and training are retained, but organisational structures are to be changed with the view to improve efficiencies and effectiveness within the NQF.