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: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
64670  National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Public Fin Oversight & Accountability 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
PSETA - Public Service 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  128  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  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:

Oversight and accountability are elementary principles of good governance. The purpose of this qualification is to provide members of oversight and accounts committees with a training standard that will ultimately enable them to more effectively discharge their oversight duties. Qualifying learners will understand the multi-faceted context wherein which oversight and accounts committees operate.

Qualifying learners will be empowered to scrutinise whether government and public departments spend funds, which is allocated to them, in an efficient, effective and ethical manner while applying sound financial management and principles.

Qualifying learners will have an in-depth understanding of what is expected of serving committee members and have the practical skills necessary to prioritise, select and apply methodologies or strategies related to the relevant context or situation; delegate and manage the gathering of information; interrogate the information compiled; formulate and direct questions during a hearing and make informed decisions and recommendations to the respective committees and the legislatures.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Scrutinise public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.
  • Ensure good governance and ethical practices and adherence to public finance management principles.
  • Enforce adherence to legislative requirements.
  • Make recommendations for corrective action.

    Rationale:

    Oversight and accountability committees are charged with the financial oversight of government and public departments. Oversight and accountability committees are found respectively at national, provincial and local level. This qualification meets the specific needs of the sector by providing training standards for committee members in good governance, public finance management, execution of oversight duties and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. This Qualification is aligned to the Association of Public Accounts Committees strategic imperative in the attainment of the organisation's envisaged capacity building objectives.

    This Qualification will promote sound, accountable and transparent governance to improve the quality and performance of the public accounts committees in South Africa. Further it has been purpose-built for the Public Administration sub-field, the Financial Oversight and Accountability Sector and oversight committee member. This Qualification contributes to an integrated National Qualifications Framework; provides for access and mobility to learning; enhances the quality of training within the public oversight and accountability; allows for the redress of the past through Recognition of prior Learning and contributes to the development of the learner.

    This Qualification is intended for learners who are members of the national, provincial or municipal legislator and who have been identified to serve, or who are serving on public oversight committees at their respective legislative level. These members come from very diverse historical and academic backgrounds and educational levels vary drastically. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 5.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Marketing Qualification. 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.
  • Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.
  • For full or partial recognition of the Qualification.

    All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education, Training, Quality, and Assurance Body and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor. Because the standards are only core and fundamental, these standards may have been acquired in a range of economic sectors and these will be recognizes as appropriate.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is an open access to this qualification, keeping in mind the "Learning Assumed to be in Place". 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 128 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:
  • The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 10 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Core Component:
  • The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 98 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component:
  • The Elective Component consists of individual Unit Standards from which the learner must choose unit standards totalling a minimum of 20 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Scrutinise public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.
  • Range: Executive refers to all three spheres of government national, provincial and local.

    2. Ensure good governance and ethical practices and adherence to public finance management principles.

    3. Enforce adherence to legislative requirements.

    4. Make recommendations for corrective action.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Scrutinising public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.
  • Ensuring good governance and ethical practices and adherence to public finance management principles.
  • Enforcing adherence to legislative requirements.
  • Making recommendations for corrective action.

    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The scrutiny of public expenditure.
  • The enforcement of adherence to legislative requirements.
  • Corrective action.

    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Scrutinising public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.
  • Ensuring good governance and ethical practices and adherence to public finance management principles.
  • Enforcing adherence to legislative requirements.
  • Making recommendations for corrective action.

    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Scrutinising public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.
  • Ensuring good governance and ethical practices and adherence to public finance management principles.
  • Enforcing adherence to legislative requirements.
  • Making recommendations for corrective action.

    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Accountability in public expenditure of the executive.
  • Good governance and ethical practices.
  • Adherence to legislative requirements.

    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Scrutinising public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.

    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Scrutinising public expenditure to determine accountability of the executive.
  • Ensuring good governance and ethical practices and adherence to public finance management principles.
  • Enforcing adherence to legislative requirements. 
    		•

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

    1.1 Departmental expenditure is analysed in order to determine its linkage to budgets.
    1.2 Budgets are analysed in order to link to.
    1.3 Reports are analysed making use of financial management and accounting principles and procedures in order to inform recommendations.
  • Range: Reports include but are not limited to audit reports, public service commission, annual reports, financial statements and committee reports.
    1.4 Specific legislative requirements are applied in checking compliance in the public sector.
  • Range: Public sector includes the three spheres of government, national, provincial and local, including public entities.
    1.5 Public sector ethical practices are strengthened through the execution of oversight duties in a non-partisan manner in order to enforce accountability.
    1.6 Reports are critically evaluated during scrutiny processes in preparation for hearings in order to facilitate informed decision making and the formulation of recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Duties and responsibilities are discharged ethically and in accordance with the roles and responsibilities of the various oversight structures and their specific mandates.
    2.2 Oversight processes are implemented so as to take into consideration the environmental factors that impact on decision making.
  • Range: Environmental factors include but are not limited to consideration of governmental priorities and operational context of the committees.
    2.3 Good governance principles are applied so as to ensure effective oversight of public finance management practices.
  • Range: Good governance principles include but are not limited to participation, consensus, strategic vision, responsiveness, effectiveness, accountability, transparency, equity and fairness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Relevant legislative parameters are applied during the oversight processes.
    3.2 Decisions are made on the basis of the identified legislation applicable to a specific context.
    3.3 Financial management, budgeting and auditing principles are promoted in order to ensure effective use of resources.
    3.4 Information is gathered in preparation for public hearings.
  • Range: Information includes but is not limited to specialist advice, briefings, special audit reports, commission reports, academic studies and historical data.
    3.5 Enforcement activities are planned in order to strengthen effective oversight practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Ethical principles, standards and professional conduct are adhered to when exercising oversight duties and responsibilities during public hearings.
    4.2 Protocols, mandates and powers are exercised in accordance with the legislative framework.
  • Range: Legislative framework includes but is not limited to National and Provincial Powers and Privileges Act, Public Finance Management Act, Public Service Act and Rules of the Legislatures.
    4.3 Oversight hearings are conducted in order to enforce legislative requirements.
    4.4 Information gathered during the scrutiny process is analysed in order to formulate and make informed recommendations to parliament, provincial legislatures and councils.
  • Note: Formulating recommendations requires the reaching of consensus.
    4.5 Executive responses of resolutions tabled in legislature are evaluated and monitored to effect accountability and complete the oversight process.

    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.

    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, 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, Essential Embedded Knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are assessed. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of Specific Outcomes and Essential Embedded Knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Best Practice:

    Countries selected for the International Comparability are Malawi, Bangladesh, Canada and Australia. These countries surveyed have developed related qualifications or learning programmes in the field of general public financial management, accounting, auditing and oversight targeting the general public, members of parliament and parliamentary officials.

    Malawi:

    The University of Malawi provides a training programme for members of parliament supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). This project consisted of six three- week training courses over a two-year period, where the aim was to provide Members of Parliament (MPs) with knowledge of priority national issues, training in how to function effectively in Parliament and how to represent and put forth the needs of their constituencies.

    Training was given at two levels, one tailor-made for MPs with higher education (tertiary level) and one for MPs with basic education. The training focused on four cluster areas:
  • Communication and language skills, including how to relate to the media.
  • Democracy, governance and human rights.
  • Financial analysis and economic affairs.
  • Gender relations and issues.

    Findings: The National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 compares favourably to the University of Malawi's parliamentary programme in terms of the cluster areas of communication and language skills, democracy, governance and human rights and financial analysis and economic affairs. It was however felt un-necessary to include gender relations and issues as this is handled extensively during short training programmes at the respective legislatures.

    Bangladesh:

    The Bangladesh Institute of Parliamentary Studies developed a programme for Members of the Bangladesh Parliament and Parliament Secretariat. The course consists of a total of nine modules, each covering specific issues of relevance to the practices and procedures of the Parliament of Bangladesh. The modules of the training course are as follows:
  • Module 1: Constitutional framework of Bangladesh.
  • Module 2: The organs of the Government.
  • Module 3: Introduction to the Rules of Procedure of the Bangladesh Parliament.
  • Module 4: Powers and functions of the Speaker.
  • Module 5: Legislative functions of the Parliament.
  • Module 6: Financial functions of the Parliament.
  • Module 7: Oversight functions of the Parliament.
  • Module 8: Representative functions and self-organisation of the Parliament.
  • Module 9: Gender-balance and gender-issues in Parliament.

    Findings: The National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 compares favourably in terms of Modules 5, 6 and 7 in that these aspects are included in this Qualification. The other Modules need not be included in this Qualification as they are included in the in-house training of each political parties legislature candidates.

    Canada:

    The School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto, offers a Master's Certificate Programme in Public Finances and Governance.

    The following two models are taken as core courses:
  • GSPP 801 Governance and Administration (3). The module covers analyses of governing institutions and the process of modern government as a means of enhancing student's understanding of policy formulation and implementation. It is intended to provide a basis for critically assessing political and administrative decision-making and policy outcomes.
  • GSPP 802 Public Finance (3). The module provides a survey of Canadian public finance. Examines rationales for government intervention in a market economy, the assessment of public policy, how government decisions are made and the impact of government expenditures and taxation on the economy and the well-being of Canadians, in terms of economic efficiency and interpersonal equity.

    Findings: The National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 differs from the Master's Certificate Programme in Public Finances and Governance in that t is very specific in terms of occupational learning whereas the Master's Certificate Programme in Public Finances and Governance is very academically based. The National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 provides the learner with the contextualised knowledge and skills required to conduct their duties as part of an oversight committee.

    Australia:

    The School of Economic at the University of Adelaide in Australia offers an undergraduate course in Economics and Financial Management for members of parliament that do not have a financial or economic background when taking up their tenure. Economic and financial courses can be selected from the following list:
  • Business Finance II.
  • Financial Economics II.
  • Financial Computing II.
  • International Trade & Investment Policy II.
  • Macroeconomic Theory and Policy II.
  • Applied Econometrics III.
  • Corporate Finance Theory III.
  • Corporate Investment & Analysis III.
  • Econometrics III.
  • Economic Theory III.
  • Financial Modeling Techniques III.
  • International Finance III.
  • International Trade III.
  • Life Contingencies II.
  • Mathematics of Finance III.
  • Banking & Financial Markets III.
  • Options, Futures & Risk Management III.
  • Portfolio Theory & Management III.

    The La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia has developed a Financial Oversight Programme in conjunction with the Australian Parliament and covers the following aspects in its programme:
  • Oversight.
  • Public financial management.
  • Legislation.
  • Rules of Parliament.

    Findings: The National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 differs from the undergraduate course in Economics and Financial Management in that it is very specific in terms of occupational learning whereas the undergraduate course in Economics and Financial Management is very academically based and theoretical of nature. The National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 provides the learner with the contextualised knowledge and skills required to conduct their duties as part of an oversight committee.

    However the National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 compares very favourably to La Trobe University's Financial Oversight Programme in terms of the aspects of oversight, public finance management and legislation. It was however felt un-necessary to include rules of parliament as this is handled extensively during short training programmes for Members of Parliament and is not applicable to provincial and local oversight committee members.

    Summary:

    Of the above mentioned courses and programmes only three, the University of Malawi's parliamentary programme, the Bangladesh Institute of Parliamentary Studies programme and La Trobe University's Financial Oversight Programme, compare favourably to the National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6 as these are also occupationally based programmes based on the competencies that the learners are required to shown during oversight. The University of Toronto's Master's Certificate Programme in Public Finances and Governance and the University of Adelaide undergraduate course in Economics and Financial Management are academic and theoretical programmes which for this reason do not compare favourably to the National Certificate: Public Financial Oversight and Accountability, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification lends itself to both vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:
  • ID 57897: National Diploma: Public Administration, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following qualifications:
  • ID 57827: National Diploma: Public Administration, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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, and Assurance (ETQA) Body.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of 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 ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • 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, 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 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years' practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • A relevant Qualification at NQF Level 7 or higher.
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Range:

    Oversight processes include but not limited to planning, information gathering, conducting oversight hearings, making recommendations and evaluating and monitoring responses to and from executive. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  120303  Apply principles of risk management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  119346  Apply sound communication principles in the coordination of selected public sector communications programmes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  120360  Demonstrate understanding of financial and accounting principles for public entities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  10301  Complete a research assignment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  20 
    Core  260338  Conduct oversight hearings  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  15 
    Core  260340  Discharge oversight responsibilities by using financial tools and instruments to effect accountability in the public sector  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  15 
    Core  260339  Utilise reports as an oversight tool  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Core  242916  Strengthen and implement sustainable public sector ethical practices  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  8 
    Fundamental  260341  Utilise processes within the oversight environment to promote effective corporate governance  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Elective  119347  Analyse and evaluate the impact of macroeconomic data on the operating environment of the public sector  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  119343  Apply operations research principles and tools in the management of project activities and resources  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  230448  Contribute towards organisation policy development  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  119334  Discuss the selected legislative regulatory framework governing the public sector management and administration environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  113807  Draft Legal agreements  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  116346  Apply techniques and South African statutes to cash and investment management in a municipal environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Elective  12138  Conduct an organisational needs analysis  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Elective  365239  Demonstrate a knowledge of the principles and methodology that underlie the drafting and the processing of legislation.  Level 6  NQF Level 06  15 
    Elective  115590  Design public participation processes  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
    Elective  117438  Inform policy  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  15 
    Elective  243114  Manage the implementation of organisational strategies, polices and plans in a Public Sector environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 
    Elective  365188  Practical application of the principles of legislative drafting  Level 6  NQF Level 06  10 
    Elective  242915  Apply research methodologies in order to compile in a major research report in a public sector context  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  12 
    Elective  114703  Explain the policies of the African States and SADC countries  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  5 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.