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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
60155  National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
EWSETA - Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  124  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
48905  National Certificate: Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Qualification will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to work in a water and wastewater reticulation services department. The competencies developed through this qualification will enable the learner to attend to the maintenance, operation and construction of water and wastewater reticulation systems. The core and elective sections of this qualification accommodates for learners to specialise in water and/or wastewater reticulation services.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Communicate in a water and wastewater context.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant legislative requirements in a water and wastewater context.
  • Be able to partake in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater reticulation systems.
  • Be able to partake in the construction of water and wastewater reticulation systems.

    Rationale:

    The SGB has established that there is a need for this Qualifications throughout the water services sector. The qualification, in addition, will satisfy the needs of both small and large water services providers. This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to further their career in the water and/or wastewater reticulation services industry and at learners who have gained experience in related industry sub fields and now wish to receive formal recognition for their experience and knowledge. This qualification also serves as a basis for post certification development and more particularly to progress to the NQF Level 4 Certificate in Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Water and Waste Water Reticulation NQF Services Level 2 or equivalent.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification may be achieved in part through skills programmes or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Any learner wishing to be directly assessed may arrange to do so, without attending further training or education. The assessor and learner will decide together on the most appropriate assessment route to be taken.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • National Certificate: Water and Waste Water Reticulation Services at NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of Fundamental credits totalling 36, Core credits totalling 64, all of which are compulsory. The qualification also has Electives totalling 82.

    Learners have to choose a minimum of 24 credits from the Electives to be awarded the qualification. Total credits for this qualification will therefore be 124. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate in a wastewater and water context.

    2. Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant legislative requirements in a water and wastewater context.

    3. Operate and maintain water and waste water reticulation systems.

    4. Construct water and waste water reticulation systems.

    Associated Critical Cross Field Outcomes:

    The learner is able to:

    This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes, within the indicated context of the associated Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

    Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made:
  • Solving problems arising in the selection and sourcing of tools, equipment and materials for maintenance and construction tasks and problems arising in the execution of maintenance and construction tasks.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 3 and 4.

    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • All tasks are performed within a team environment, taking into account the health and safety of others.
    > Evident in Assessment Criteria 3.2 and 4.2 and the executing of tasks with and through a team.

    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Relating to the planning and preparation of reticulation tasks, adhering to best practices and standard operating procedures, and focussing on housekeeping, safety and care and storage of tools and equipment.
    > Evident in Exit Assessment Criteria 3.1,3.2, 4.1,4.2.

    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information:
  • Relating to the planning and executing of tasks and the solving of problems based on site conditions and information received, in the form of verbal and written reports.
    > Evident in Exit Assessment Criteria 2.3,3.2,3.3,4.2,4.3.

    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion:
  • Communicating during the planning, preparation and the execution of job activities and the completion of related technical reports.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1.

    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • Apply science and technology effectively during the maintenance and installation of reticulation systems, paying attention to the health of others and respecting environmental issues.
    > Evident in Exit Level Assessment Criteria 2.2, 3.1,4.1.

    Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Solving problems through the integration of various sources of information, the integration of various workplace structures, and through taking cognisance of impact of various solutions on the environment and the health and safety and quality of life of others.
    > Evident in Exit Level Assessment Criteria 2.3,3.2 ,4.2. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Information is accessed and used in the context of workplace tasks and activities.
  • Range: Policies and procedures, job specific information.
    1.2 Oral communication is used in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    1.3 Written communication is defined to specific contexts within the water and wastewater industry.
  • Range: Includes but is not limited to, reports, job cards, communiqués, leave forms, HR requests, etc.
    1.4 Language and communication is used for accessing and navigating learning programmes.
  • Range: coaching, mentoring, assessment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Activities and tasks considered comply with national legislative requirements.
    2.2 Activities and tasks considered comply with municipal bylaws.
    2.3 Policies and procedures are complied with in accordance with organisational requirements.

    Operate and maintain water and waste water reticulation systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Knowledge of equipment and tools for the maintenance and operation of wastewater and water reticulation systems are demonstrated in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    3.2 Tasks and processes involved in the maintenance and operation of wastewater and water reticulation systems are executed efficiently and within best practice codes.
    3.3 Parts and materials used for the maintenance and operation of water and wastewater reticulation systems comply with national industry standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Knowledge of equipment and tools for the construction of water and wastewater reticulation systems are demonstrated in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    4.2 Tasks and processes involved in the construction of wastewater and water reticulation systems and sub systems are executed efficiently and within a framework of best practice.
    4.3 Parts and materials used for the maintenance and operation of water and wastewater reticulation systems comply with national industry standards.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.
  • Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not.
  • Since this is one of a series of qualifications in a framework, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge has been achieved, by assessing through integrated assessment. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International qualifications were examined to ensure that the qualification model and associated unit standards proposed are comparable in terms of qualification levels, scope and competencies covered. However, the core and elective components have been developed and/or revised taking into account South Africa's unique context, but also looking at international best practice.

    Qualifications form the following countries were examined:

    Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
  • NWP05 Water Industry and the Certificate Course in Water and Wastewater Reticulation.

    Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SQA):
  • Water Distribution: Water Level 2, Code H7HE.
  • Construction Practice: Substructures, Code D2 XK.
  • Construction Technology: Substructure and Remedial works, D5 XY.

    New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA):
  • National Certificate in Water and Wastewater Reticulation and its associated unit standards (Level 2; 3 and 4).
  • National Certificate in Water and Wastewater reticulation: Site Operator (Level 2; 3 and 4).

    United Kingdom (QCA):
  • City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Water Engineering, 500/1698/2.
  • Certificate in Process Plant Operations Level 2.
  • Cambridge University: Module 4D15, Sustainable Water Engineering.
  • Modelling Water Distribution Networks MODULE CODE: CIV.

    United States of America:
  • SD Association of Rural Water Systems Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106, Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Board.

    Findings concerning comparability:

    A substantial degree of similarity was found in most of the qualifications examined. Although the South African qualification combines both water and wastewater reticulation services due to the similarities found in the core components of both qualifications, the revised qualification provides a mix of mandatory unit standards to cover both water and wastewater core competencies and electives as optional units that enable learners to choose from to address their particular roles in their respective work areas and specialization.

    The South African qualification and its associated unit standards is generally comparable to the Scottish, Australian, New Zealand in terms of degree of complexity, scope and range of competencies covered but are offered and structured differently with the United Kingdom qualification. The UK refers to reticulation as distribution and the implementation of training takes place differently to the system employed by South Africa.

    New Zealand being an OECD country, offered many similarities to the environment and structure of the South African Industry and the way their courses and curricular is structured. Unit standard content would often combine concepts differently to what is done locally and the analysis of these often provided new insight into best practice. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation is possible with the possible:
  • ID 58951: National Certificate: Water and wastewater Process Operations, NQF Level 2.
  • ID 23473: National Certificate: Community Water, Health and Sanitation Promotion, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation is possible with the following:
  • ID 48906: Further Education and Training Certificate: Supervision of Waster and wastewater Reticulation Operations, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 59201: National Certificate: Generic Management, NQF Level 5. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • A person assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement if this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All assessors need to be subject matter experts, with a qualification one level higher and registered with the relevant ETQA. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 48905, "National Certificate: Wastewater Reticulation Services", Level 3, 120 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  254076  Demonstrate knowledge of hydraulics and flow measurement in water and wastewater systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  254069  Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  254064  Enter, work in, and exit a confined space in the water industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  254194  Join pipe fittings and other pipeline devices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  254070  Lay pipes for water and wastewater reticulation systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  254066  Operate a reticulation pump station  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  254075  Read and interpret maps and engineering drawings of water and wastewater reticulation systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  254072  Connect a customer drainage system to a public wastewater system  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  254067  Connect a customer to a water reticulation system  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  254073  Demonstrate knowledge of pressure zones and backflow prevention in water reticulation  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  254074  Investigate problems in a wastewater reticulation system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  115907  Operate and maintain a wastewater reticulation system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  254071  Operate and maintain canals  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  254065  Operate and maintain dams  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  12340  Operate and Maintain Water Reticulation System  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  115965  Operate, maintain and provide technical support for on site sanitation systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  254077  Provide water services support for rural communities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. ALL CONNECTIONS TRAINING AND CONSTRUCTION (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALMEL TRAINING 
    3. AVIWE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 
    4. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    5. DINALEDI MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES 
    6. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    7. GG SQUARED PROJECTS 
    8. GNS ENTERPRISE (PTY) LTD 
    9. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    10. Kgabo Engineering & Projects 
    11. MMAKAU TRAINING INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    12. NOKRAM (PTY) LTD 
    13. PIONEER BUSINESS CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    14. SABS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL TESTING FACILITY OLIFANTSFONTEIN 
    15. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    16. SISODZWA CONSULTING 
    17. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 
    18. TWINMARK STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS 
    19. VISIONARY SKILLS ACADEMY 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.