Implementing of the NQF

Useful background information

In this section you will find reports, articles and papers of interest on the unfolding of the South African NQF and some of the challenges we are facing, as well as issues related to qualifications frameworks in general.
SAQA Bulletin Volume 10 No 2 August 2007
This bulletin contains various articles that explore the idea of an NQF as an instrument of change, and as a social construct. SAQA bulletins are a rich source of analysis and debate about the NQF. All SAQA bulletins can be accessed on the SAQA website under Promotional Material. click here

The Quality Assurance of Fundamental Components of Qualifications. SAQA, July 2005 click here

King, M. The Fundamentals in Occupational Qualifications: Towards a Model. Research Reports for GTZ, November 2006 click here

Department of Labour / Department of Education. Report of the Study Team on the Implementation of the NQF. Pretoria, April 2003 click here

Department of Labour / Department of Education. An Interdependent National Qualifications Framework System: Consultative Document. Pretoria, July 2003 click here

Response by SAQA to the Consultative Document: An Interdependent NQF. October 2003 click here

Turk R, Hart J and Keevy J. The relevance of the National Qualifications Framework Impact Study to qualification framework development in the Southern African Development Community. Paper presented at Q-Africa Conference, Midrand, September 2004 click here

Higgs P and Keevy J: The reliability of evidence contained in the National Qualifications Framework Impact Study: a critical reflection. Paper presented at the EASA and Kenton Education Conference, December 2006 click here

Keevy, J. The SADC Qualifications Framework as a mechanism to improve the comparability of TVET qualifications in the SADC region. Paper presented at the 4th Annual TVET Conference in SADC, November 2006 click here

Chisholm, L. Diffusion of the National Qualifications Framework and outcomes-based education in Southern and Eastern Africa. Paper presented at the 4th Sub-Regional Conference on Assessment in Education. Hosted by Umalusi from the 26th to the 30th June 2006click here

Blom, R. An Integrated National Qualifications Framework: A Conceptual Framework. Paper prepared for the EASA/Kenton International Conference, 28 November - 1 December 2006 click here

Keevy J and Blom R. The integration of education and training in a comprehensive linked National Qualifications Framework: a critical reflection on recent developments in South Africa. Paper presented at All Africa IVETA Regional IFTDO ASTD Conference, May 2007 click here

Domingue JM, Julie H (Seychelles Qualifications Authority), Keevy J and Mphuthing D (SAQA). Occupation qualifications in the Seychelles and South Africa: a critical reflection on progress to date. Paper presented at Q-Africa Conference, Midrand, November 2007 click here

Keevy J. The Seychelles National Qualifications Framework from policy to implementation. Paper presented at SQA Stakeholder Conference, Seychelles, May 2008 click here

Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition: Report on Activities in 2007. April 2008, Office of the Presidency, RSA click here

Overview: the National Certificate (Vocational) click here

Regulations for the Design of Qualifications (original requirements as gazetted in 1998) click here

Recent dissertations on the NQF
The short list below gives a sample of recent doctoral dissertations on the NQF. These can be accessed from the relevant institutions.

• Allais, S. 2007. The rise and fall of the NQF: a critical analysis of the South African National Qualifications Framework. PhD thesis. University of the Witwatersrand
• Blom, J.P. 2006. The ideal of an integrated national qualifications framework. PhD thesis. University of Pretoria
• Keevy, J.M. 2005. A Foucauldian critique of the development and implementation of the South African National Qualifications Framework. PhD thesis. University of South Africa
• Lugg, R.A. 2007. Making different equal? Social practices of policy-making and the National Qualifications Framework in South Africa between 1985 and 2003. PhD thesis. University of London

Acts and Regulations

Key Acts in relation to the NQF are listed below. See also Upcoming Changes on this Page
South African Qualifications Authority Act (No. 58 of 1995) click here
The Constitution (1996)click here
NQF Bill, 2008 click here
National Education Policy Act (No. 27 of 1996)click here
GENFETQA Act (No 58 of 2001) click here
General and Further Education and Training Amendment Bill 2008 click here
Further Education and Training Act (No. 98 of 1998)click here
Further Education and Training Act (No. 16 of 2006) click here
FET Regulations for Private Providers October 2003 click h ere
Government Gazette Draft Regulations for Private Providers August 2007 click here
Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998) click here
Skills Development Act (No. 97 of 1998)click here
Amended Skills Development Act2003 click here
Skills Development Amendment Bill 2008 click here
Skills Development Levies Act (No. 9 of 1999)click here
Amended Skills Development Levies Act click here
Skills Development Regulations no R 571 of 22 June 2001 click here
Amendments to SETAs 2006 click here
Sectoral Determination No 5 for learnerships, of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997 click here
Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997)click here
Higher Education Qualifications Framework October 2007 click here
Higher Education Amendment Bill 2008 click here
Adult Basic Education and Training Act (No. 52 of 2000)click here
South African Schools Act of 1996 click here

How to order and enrol for the NQF Support Link

If you would like more information on the NQF Support Link, please click here.