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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
60169  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 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
48907  National Certificate: Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  128  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The qualification will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills in water and wastewater reticulation services, enabling the learner to participate as a member team, attending to the operation, maintenance and construction of reticulation systems.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Demonstrate interactive and communication skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the current and relevant occupational health and safety legislation.
  • Work in a team operating and maintaining water and waste water reticulation systems.
  • Work in a team constructing water and waste water 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 enter, or 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 serves as a basis for the development of competence in the individual streams of water and wastewater reticulation and in a combination thereof. 
    		•

    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 1.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1.

    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of Fundamental credits totalling 36, Core credits totalling 68, all of which are compulsory. The qualification also has Electives totalling 68.

    Learners have to choose a minimum of 20 credits from the Electives to be awarded the qualification. Total credits for this qualification will therefore be 124. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate interactive and communication skills.

    2. Demonstrate knowledge of the current and relevant occupational health and safety legislation.

    3. Work in a team operating and maintaining water and waste water reticulation systems.

    4. Work in a team constructing water and waste water reticulation systems.

    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 familiar maintenance problems arising in the preparation for, and the execution of, maintenance or 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.
    > 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 information received, in the form of verbal and written reports.
    > Evident in Exit Assessment Criteria 2.3,3.3,4.3.

    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 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 to be accessed and used in the context of workplace tasks and activities.
    1.2 Oral communication is conducted in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    1.3 Written communication is defined to specific contexts within the water and waste water industry.
    1.4 Language and communication is used for accessing and navigating learning programmes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Personal safety practices on a waste water and water reticulation system are applied in accordance with Health and Safety policies and procedures.
    2.2 Tools and equipment is used in accordance with Health and Safety policies and Workplace procedures.
    2.3 Task and activities are carried out in accordance with safety policies and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Knowledge of equipment and tools used for the maintenance of waste water and water reticulation systems are demonstrated in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    3.2 Tasks and processes involved in the maintenance of waste water and water reticulation systems are executed in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    3.3 The use of materials, pipes and fittings in the maintenance and operation of reticulation systems are compliant with national industry and manufacturer's specifications and codes of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Knowledge of equipment, tools for the construction of waste water and water reticulation systems are demonstrated in accordance with workplace specifications, policies and procedures.
    4.2 Tasks and processes involved in the construction of waste water and water reticulation systems and sub systems are executed in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
    4.3 The use of parts, components and materials in the construction of reticulation systems are compliant with national industry and, manufacturer's specifications and codes of practices.

    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. This qualification provides for this by, for example assessing mathematics with applied calculations, surfacing in unit standards from the core section of this qualification as the assessment criteria overlaps and specific outcomes dissects across the sections of the qualification matrix. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.
  • Most 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 also ensures that all the critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge of associated unit standards 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: Water and Wastewater Reticulation and its associated unit standards.
  • National Certificate in Water and Wastewater reticulation (Site Operator).

    United Kingdom (QCA):
  • City & 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 the what is done locally and the analysis of these often provided new insight into best practice. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This is the first qualification in a series from NQF Level 2 through to NQF Level 5. This series of qualifications can articulate directly to learning programmes and qualifications in the Water and Waste Water Reticulation sub fields. It has entrepreneurial unit standards, as an elective choice at this level and at progressive levels, to accommodate for this type of learning and progression. It also opens the possibility for further learning in the sub-field of Civil Engineering Construction. 

    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 is to encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards and the exit level outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All assessors need to be Subject Matter Experts, qualified one level higher and registered with 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 48907, "National Certificate: Wastewater Reticulation Services", Level 2, 128 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  246459  Apply personal safety practices in the water sector  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  254055  Construct water reticulation concrete work and brick masonry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  13222  Deal with safety, health and environmental emergencies in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  8494  Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  254059  Demonstrate Knowledge of Backfilling and Compaction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  254063  Demonstrate knowledge of pipes, associated fittings, valves and meters used in water and wastewater reticulation systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  246463  Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  254061  Excavate a trench and install shoring  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  10252  Identify, inspect, use, maintain and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  254060  Operate mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic tools and equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12481  Sling loads  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  9322  Work in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  254056  Assist in the operation and maintenance of Canals  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  254058  Assist in the operation and maintenance of dams  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  254054  Demonstrate knowledge of wastewater pipe unblocking and maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  254057  Demonstrate knowledge of water meters and reading techniques, and identify faults in meters  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  254062  Demonstrate knowledge of water reticulation systems and the cleaning and disinfection thereof  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  9973  Apply basic business concepts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  11783  Install and maintain a water supply system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  11784  Install and maintain drainage systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 


    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. 4 TOPS ACADEMY 
    2. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    5. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    6. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 
    7. URSIVOX (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.