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

National Certificate: Local Government Support Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58644  National Certificate: Local Government Support Services 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Administration 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
LG SETA - Local Government and related Services Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  127  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose of the Qualification:

The purpose of the qualification is to enable qualifying learners to gain an insight into the business of Local Government, especially with reference to the key municipal processes and programme initiatives undertaken. It will enable learners to:
  • Enter rotational job programmes in a support service capacity in the different technical sectors of Local Government having gained an introductory knowledge and insight into how each sector works.
  • Understand the overall functions of government departments and how they fit into the overall service delivery objectives.
  • Provide the necessary support and administrative services in the Local Government environment.

    The learning outcomes contained in this qualification are based on the competencies required to contribute to Local Government support services from an administrative and/or financial support perspective. These competences relate to:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of municipal financial management and budgeting.
  • Providing support and administrative services in a Local Government environment.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the areas of technical service delivery within Local Government.
  • Utilising problem-solving and decision-making techniques in own Local Government context.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the municipal working environment.

    Rationale:

    In response to the need for critical skills in Local Government this qualification provides a broad introductory overview to learners either wishing to enter Local Government and be exposed to new job opportunities, or for learners already in Local Government positions wishing to have opportunities for job growth. This qualification is designed to provide the learners with an overview of the specific Local Government work environment, how it functions and how it interlinks with other government departments and what constitutes its broad programme and key service objectives.

    Skills needs at Level 3 of the NQF are critical to the overall success and the efficient functioning of Local Government. Many learners already in related jobs or wishing to enter the job market at this level play a critical role in the support units of the Local Government. This qualification provides a strong foundation for future learning. Equally this qualification may serve as a basis for the development of employee induction programmes at any level entering Local Government for the first time. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learners accessing this qualification are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this Unit Standards-based Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Learner and Assessor will jointly decide on the methods to be used to determine prior learning and competencies implicit in the Qualification and the associated Unit Standards. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards an Unit Standard in this Qualification.
  • Obtaining this Qualification in whole or in part.

    All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this Qualification is open, bearing in mind the Learning Assumed to be in Place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Certificate is made up of Unit Standards that are classified as Fundamental, Core and Elective. A minimum of 127 credits is required to complete the qualification.

    Fundamental Component:

    Unit standards totalling thirty six (36) credits are allocated to the Fundamental component: twenty (20) credits in Communication and sixteen (16) credits in Mathematical Literacy.

    All these standards are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    Unit standards totalling eighty eight (80) credits have been allocated to the Core Component of this Qualification to ensure strong Local Government support and awareness focus. The unit standards classified as Core describe the integral functions and activities required to work in Local Government support services and provide opportunities to develop knowledge of the municipal working environment, integrating support services into own Local Government context.

    All these standards are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    There are unit standards totalling forty seven (42) credits in this Component. These unit standards continue from the core component in focusing on learning areas pertinent to Local Government support services and will enable learners to gain specialist knowledge and skills. Learners are required to select Electives that add up to at least eleven (11) credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of how Local Government operates.

    2. Apply support and administrative services in Local Government context.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of municipal financial management and budgeting. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • The policy and legal framework guiding Local Government is explained with reference to own work context.
  • The municipal working environment is explained with specific reference to how it links into own support services role.
  • The areas of technical service delivery within Local Government are demonstrated so that job rotation can be undertaken in each area in support services capacity.
  • The planning functions of Local Government are explained with examples.
  • National programmes are identified and explained in relation to their impact on Local Government.
  • The employment relationship in Local Government is explained with reference to own employment context.

    2.
  • Accountability is ensured in own work context by applying appropriate problem solving and decision making skills according to Local Government policies and procedures.
  • The various administrative systems and resources that are available to support service delivery are identified and integrated into own work context.
  • Support services are provided to specific projects.
  • Project principles and processes are applied in own work context.
  • Storage and retrieval systems are set up in line with local government policies and procedures.
  • The principles of Batho Pele are applied to own work context.

    3.
  • The way in which effective financial management is ensured within Local Government is outlined with examples.
  • A budget is discussed within the context of Local Government.
  • The sources of revenue in Local Government are identified with examples.
  • The budget process is described in reference to Local Government.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated.

    Assessment of the communication, language, literacy and strategic analysis and planning competencies should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic municipal development contexts wherever possible.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied-ed, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Introduction:

    Training in African countries and the Western World where Local Government structures are well established was looked at to assess the suitability and the level of learning in the qualification.

    SADC:

    Angola:

    Local Government in Angola is under-resourced and lacks capacity to deliver services effectively. While decentralisation has taken place this was mainly decentralization of roles and responsibilities. No training initiatives are available. Angola is in need of programmes similar to those that have been developed in South Africa.

    Tanzania:

    The Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) engagement in this area is entirely through the Municipal Development Partnership for Eastern and Southern Africa (MDPESA).

    Mali:

    Mali is in the process of decentralising power to municipal level and developing programmes for strengthening skills at this level. The Association of Municipalities of Mali (AMM) through the Municipal Development Partnership for Eastern and Southern Africa (MDPESA), is also engaged in the process.

    Mozambique:

    There are examples of sporadic training conducted in Mozambique, but there is no continuous process leading to a recognised qualification. The National Association of Municipalities of Mozambique (ANAM) is also engaged in the process through the Municipal Development Partnership for Eastern and Southern Africa (MDPESA).

    Kenya:

    The Association of Local Government Authorities of Kenya (ALGAK) (http://www.algak.net/cms/index.php) has introduced programmes for training of councillors and local authority officers. In an effort to enhance management skills in Local Government ALGAK has produced the Kenya Councillors Handbook (1998) with an update in 2002, and has taken initial measures to revive professionalism in the Local Government sector. Training of the kind envisaged by this qualification is absent at present in Kenya.

    The Municipal Development Partnership for Eastern and Southern Africa (MDPESA). (http://www.mdpafrica.org.zw/africa_local_governance_programme.htm):

    This regional organisation with participation from the United Nations, Canada and other capacity building NGOs is concerned with building capacity in Local Government mainly by strengthening counsellors' skills and the community including providing assistance to decentralisation initiatives. South Africa is a member of this organisation and is clearly a leader in initiatives of the kind proposed by this qualification. If any comparable initiatives exist in the nations reviewed, these initiatives are too low key to register in the media or in discussions on available websites of development organisations. It should be concluded that South Africa is a pioneer in the field of Local Government capacity building in Africa.

    United Kingdom:

    This qualification can be compared to the Public Services National Diploma, Level 3 in the UK. This nationally validated course is recognised by the public service and the universities in Britain. It aims to prepare students for a wide variety of careers including the police; fire service; ambulance service; HM customs; the armed forces and the rescue services. Students may take additional qualifications alongside their public services course such as AS/A Levels, and GCSE results. The qualification covers 18 units over 2 years, of which 2 are externally assessed. These units allow students to investigate the nature of the work within specific public service department or sector including their role within the community and society, as well as focusing on general issues relevant to all sectors of the public service.

    A second qualification of interest is the Certificate in Administration, offered by the North Devon College. It is a two year full time course which has been designed primarily to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the entry requirements of a number of public service organisations. The course comprises 18 units:
  • Understanding the Public Sector.
  • Law & the Legal System.
  • Leadership.
  • Citizenship & Contemporary Issues.
  • Diversity & the Public Services.
  • International Perspectives.
  • Data Interpretation.
  • The Uniformed Services.
  • Expedition Skills.
  • Human Behaviour.
  • Dealing with Accidents.
  • Teamwork.
  • Health & Fitness.
  • Outdoor Activities.
  • Criminology.
  • Custodial Care.
  • Major Incidents.
  • Customs & Excise.
  • Signals and Communication.
  • Nautical Studies.

    The course fits the needs of the so called uniformed public services.

    Recently the British Government has established a Sector Skills Council for Central Government Standards and Qualifications to upgrade the skills of its civil servants.

    The future plans and objectives of this newly formed organisation include:
  • Developing an interim Standards and Qualifications Strategy based on Professional Skills for Government by December 2006.
  • Developing a Standards and Qualifications strategy by December 2007.
  • Developing Standards and Qualifications to meet the needs of PSG by December 2008.
  • Influencing the development of Standards and Qualifications by other SSCs and sector bodies.
  • Developing a Standards and Qualifications framework for central government.

    Considering the developments in South Africa in this regard we are ahead of Britain, especially in providing entry level training in government processes and programmes.

    Canada:

    Athabasca University provides a Certificate in Public Administration that educates students on administration at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government.

    Abathasca University is Canada's 'Open University'. More details can be found at http://www.athabascau.ca/.

    The programme's curriculum includes:
  • Public Finance.
  • Budgeting.
  • Economics.
  • Public policy.
  • Legal Studies.
  • Industrial Relations.

    The Public Administration Certificate enables students to enter or re-enter the job market, for a promotion in the public sector or career migration.

    The certificate requires 30 credits from the following selection (credit values in brackets):
  • Administrative Principles (3).
  • Microeconomics (3).
  • Macroeconomics (3).
  • Public Policy and Administrative Governance (3).
  • Public Policy in a Global Era (3).
  • Public Budgeting and Financial Management in a Globalised World (3).
  • Industrial Relations: A Critical Introduction (3).
  • Administrative Law (3).
  • Commercial Law (3).
  • Introduction to Political Science I: Concepts, Structures, and Institutions (3).
  • Canadian Government and Politics (3).

    This is an undergraduate course certificate, equivalent to a first year degree course and is at a much higher level than this level 3 qualification. It emphasises an academic rather than a practical approach if compared to this level 3 qualification which is tailored to our practical South African developmental needs, particularly for unemployed learners.

    Australia:

    In Australia apprentices and trainees gain qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) predominantly between AQF levels 1 to 3 (AQF has 6 Levels). The majority of traineeships are currently conducted under a Training Agreement of 12 months duration and provide an AQF Level 2 qualification. The majority of apprenticeships are currently conducted in 3 to 4 years Training Agreement and provide a minimum qualification at AQF level 3. Both trainees and apprentices can enter subsequent Training Agreements to gain higher level qualifications.

    In the case of an Administrative Services Trainee (General), who obtains a Certificate II in Government the employee will work as a general administrative assistant performing a range of tasks under close supervision.

    His summary of training includes the following units:
  • Work in a public sector environment.
  • Communicate in the workplace.
  • Use technology in the workplace.
  • Follow defined occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Deliver service to clients.
  • Access and use resources.
  • Handle workplace information.

    Considering the title, specific outcomes, assessment criteria, exit level outcomes and embedded knowledge of this certificate we can conclude that it compares best with our qualification at Level 3 but still places limited emphasis on the Local Government environment.

    Conclusion:

    From the information available on developmental initiatives, undertaken in other countries it can be concluded that within the SADC region, various projects are underway to build capacity, focusing mainly on the councillor and related functions that facilitate democratic processes and citizen involvement. Limited evidence exists in relation to capacity building from within Local Government, particularly at entry Level. Based on the information and analysis of the training initiatives and programmes in other countries it is clear that South Africa is a pioneer in the training field for Local Government support services practitioners in a variety of positions. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • ID 57804: National Certificate: Public Administration, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 58578: National Certificate: Local Government Councillor Practices, NQF Level 3.

    This Qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • ID 50372: Further Education and Training Certificate: Municipal Finance and Administration, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 50081: Further Education and Training Certificate: Leadership, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 36436: Further Education and Training Certificate: Local Economic Development, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 49129: Further Education and Training Certificate: Management and Administration, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the primary ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • 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 as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  117111  Apply knowledge of basic accounting principles to financial services  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  114941  Apply knowledge of HIV/AIDS to a specific business sector and a workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  242860  Apply the Batho Pele principles to own work role and context  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  244295  Demonstrate an understanding of municipal financial management and budgeting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244294  Demonstrate an understanding of national programmes and their impact on Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244300  Demonstrate an understanding of public participation in Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244299  Demonstrate an understanding of the areas of technical service delivery within Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  244297  Demonstrate an understanding of the employment relationship in Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244296  Demonstrate an understanding of the municipal working environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244302  Demonstrate an understanding of the planning functions of Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  244175  Demonstrate an understanding of the policy and legal framework guiding Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  244301  Ensure personal accountability in own Local Government context  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244298  Provide support and administrative services in Local Government  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    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  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  123458  Administer accounting and budgeting for input into municipal financial resource management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  120385  Apply a range of project management tools and techniques  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  120391  Apply leadership skills to relationship management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  11473  Manage individual and team performance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  110479  Outline the environment of local economic development in South Africa  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. A.S.A.P Training and Consulting 
    2. Asiphokuhle Training and Research Institute 
    3. Growth Management Consulting 
    4. Johsie Enertprise 
    5. Josmap Training Institute 
    6. Lewerb Holdings (PTY) Ltd 
    7. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
    8. Mod-Mosh Projects and Consulting (PTY) LTD 
    9. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    10. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    11. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
    12. Tloumogale Business Development & Consulting 
    13. Tshwane Training Institute (PTY) LTD. 


    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.