National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008)NoticesOccupational Qualifications Sub-Framework Policy2. Legislative Context |
| 2.1 | The NQF Act identifies the roles and responsibilities of the different structures/bodies that are responsible for ensuring the achievement of the objectives of the NQF. In this regard, the following roles in relation to the NQF are highlighted. |
| 2.2 | Roles and responsibilities: |
| 2.2.1 | The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation has overall responsibility for the NQF and for determining the qualification design for the occupational qualifications sub-framework. |
| 2.2.2 | SAQA is responsible for the development and implementation of policy and criteria, after consultation with the QCs, for the development, registration and publication of qualifications and part-qualifications. |
| 2.2.3 | The QCTO performs its functions in accordance with Sections 24 to 27 of the NQF Act, 2008 and Section 26H of the Skills Development Act, 1998. |
| 2.2.4 | In terms of Section 26H: Functions of the QCTO: |
| (1) | The QCTO must advise the Minister on all matters of policy concerning occupational standards and qualifications. |
| (2) | The QCTO must perform its functions in terms of this Act and the National Qualifications Framework Act. |
| (3) | Subject to any policy issued by the Minister in terms of Section 26F, the QCTO is responsible for— |
| (a) | establishing and maintaining occupational standards and qualifications; |
| (b) | the quality assurance of occupational standards and occupational qualifications and learning in and for the workplace; |
| (c) | designing and developing occupational standards and qualifications and submitting them to the South African Qualifications Authority for registration on the National Qualifications Framework; |
| (d) | ensuring the quality of occupational standards and qualifications and learning in and for the workplace; |
| (e) | promoting the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework Act and the Skills Development Act; |
| (f) | liaising with the National Skills Authority on the suitability and adequacy of occupational standards and qualifications and on the quality of learning in and for the workplace; |
| (g) | liaising with the South African Qualifications Authority, other Quality Councils and professional bodies responsible for establishing standards and qualifications or the quality assurance of standards and qualifications; and |
| (h) | performing any other prescribed function. |
| (4) | The QCTO has all such powers as are necessary to enable it to perform its functions in terms of this section. |
| (5) | The Minister may issue written instructions, which are not inconsistent with any policy made by the Minister in terms of Section 26F, to the QCTO regarding the performance of its functions in terms of Subsection (3). |
| (6) | The QCTO must comply with— |
| (a) | any policy determined by the Minister in terms of Section 26F; and |
| (b) | any written instruction issued by the Minister in terms of Subsection (5). |
| 2.2.5 | In summary the QCTO is responsible for/to— |
| (a) | the development and management of the OQSF and for advising the Minister on matters relating to the OQSF in consultation with SAQA; |
| (b) | assurance in occupational education and training; and for the development of standards, occupational qualifications and part-qualifications; |
| (c) | ensure that RPL, CAT and assessment (Section 27(h)(ii)) as well as the level descriptors (Section 27(g)) are part of its sub-framework. |