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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply diplomatic practice when representing South Africa in a diplomatic capacity 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260039  Apply diplomatic practice when representing South Africa in a diplomatic capacity 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Diplomacy, Protocol and Foreign Affairs Assist 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be essential to people training to become diplomats or to work in diplomatic contexts.

People credited with this unit standard are capable of:
  • Demonstrating understanding of modern diplomacy in a theoretical, historical and legal context.
  • Engaging in diplomatic practices in a variety of diplomatic contexts.
  • Applying State Protocol and Etiquette in diplomatic contexts.
  • Applying the practices of cultural and public diplomacy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A qualification at NQF Level 6. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of modern diplomacy in a theoretical, historical and legal context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The history of diplomacy is interpreted in terms of the influence of key developments, trends and shifts in diplomatic practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diplomatic theory is analysed for relevance and application in diplomatic practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods and types of diplomacy are evaluated in terms of relevance and effectiveness for diplomatic practice in the current context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Functions and roles of diplomats and non-state actors are analysed within a theoretical and historical framework. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Descriptions are provided of the roles, functions and duties of a South African serving abroad in terms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 and the South African Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act of 2001. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Engage in diplomatic practices in a variety of diplomatic contexts. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Diplomatic communication: Diplomatic correspondence; structured dialogues; development cooperation.
  • Diplomatic skills: Negotiation; policy analysis; research and data analyses; writing; networking; crisis management and problem solving. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Diplomatic communications are described and applied with reference to key purposes, characteristics of diplomatic communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reports and correspondence reflect stylistic competence, accuracy, relevant content and appropriate analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Formal and informal verbal communication are consistent with the role of diplomats. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Diplomatic skills are carried out in accordance with internationally accepted diplomatic practices. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply state protocol and etiquette in diplomatic contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    International and regional State Protocol principles are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The Official Order of Precedence in SA; the Official Order of Precedence in a specific target country; practices and principles for the conducting of State Visits; State Protocol principles regarding ceremonial functions and exchange of gifts between principals; interprovincial liaison with regard to Second and Third spheres of government, including Twinning Agreements.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Conduct at diplomatic functions is consistent with the principles of State Protocol and Etiquette. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Format and wording of invitations; table plans and seating arrangements for state and official visits; diplomatic forms of address and introductions; dress code.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Professional etiquette is applied in accordance with State Protocol and Etiquette principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Explanations are provided of the nature and extent of diplomatic immunities and privileges. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Convention on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations; Convention on the privileges and immunities of UN specialised agencies; immunities, security and privileges pertaining to diplomatic appointments; South African Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act of 2001; the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    State protocol practices are identified as per the demands of each diplomatic context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    National symbols: The South African flag, anthem, and Coat of Arms; National Orders and the conferring thereof on South African citizens as well as eminent foreign persons (Head of State as Fount of Honour); usage of official photographs of elected members of government; arrangement of and seating in order of precedence at signing ceremonies, press conferences and high level bilateral and multilateral negotiations, as well as the reception and farewell ceremonies in regard of state visits and official visits in SA.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply the practices of cultural and public diplomacy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cultural diplomacy is applied in a variety of socio-cultural settings in line with established diplomatic practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Public diplomacy is applied in a variety of socio-cultural settings in line with established diplomatic practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate sensitivity is demonstrated to the role played by religion in diplomacy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Other specialised areas of diplomatic practice are applied according to established and emerging diplomatic practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Diplomacy and the Information Age; Summitry; Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiations; lobbying; networking.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Diplomatic practice is in line with the emerging style of South African diplomatic values including Ubuntu, bridge building and Batho Pele. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic principles of State Protocol.
  • National Symbols.
  • National Orders.
  • Official Photographs.
  • Table of Precedence.
  • Forms of Address.
  • Forms of Communication.
  • Official Functions.
  • Signing Ceremonies and Press Briefings.
  • Official Entertainment.
  • State and Official Visits: Incoming and Outgoing.
  • State State Protocol Lounge.
  • Immunities and Privileges.
  • Etiquette (dynamics of political, social, religious sensitivities, customs, traditions and cultures). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems when representing South Africa in a diplomatic capacity. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others and public and cultural diplomacy. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to ensure State Protocols and etiquette are observed in diplomatic practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively in a manner consistent with diplomatic practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64329   National Diploma: Diplomacy  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.