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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: 

Diploma in Entrepreneurship 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125298  Diploma in Entrepreneurship 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2035-03-10  

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:
The Diploma in Entrepreneurship is designed for learners who wish to start and manage their own business as well as those who wish to pursue a corporate role that requires entrepreneurial skills. To succeed in the current volatile and ever-changing environment, individuals must possess skills and knowledge about identifying, creating, and/or harnessing opportunities for both professional and personal advancement. The qualification is designed to enable new business start-ups as well as to provide the entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in the corporate environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and an understanding of conceptual, theoretical, practical, and methodological approaches in entrepreneurship.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding as a basis for original and critical development and application of ideas to constructively and knowledgeably contribute to knowledge development and practice in entrepreneurship.
  • Assess, evaluate, integrate, and apply such knowledge to propose solutions to specific social, environmental, and economic problems in the African context.
  • Apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to entrepreneurship.
  • Handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, and accommodate multiple views of reality.

    Rationale:
    Recognising the important role of entrepreneurship and small businesses in increasing jobs and economic growth, the South African government established the Ministry of Small Business Development in 2014. This ministry is mandated to coordinate the promotion and development of entrepreneurship among other functions. This national commitment and investment are a testament to the importance of entrepreneurship to the progress of the nation. In addition, there are various government as well as non-governmental entities that were created to provide support services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. These provide employment opportunities for qualifying learners with qualifications such as the Diploma in Entrepreneurship.

    Not only will this qualification provide the much-needed skills to develop entrepreneurship and small businesses, but also, it gives learners the requisite know-how to start their businesses and become employers themselves. This is especially paramount, considering the limited job opportunities in the current corporate environment and the high unemployment rate in the country.

    The Diploma in Entrepreneurship provides access for learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for direct entry into the Bachelor of Commerce. Thus, it provides articulation possibilities for learners to further their studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied in line with the institution's Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer. This policy is aligned with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019).

    In the introduction to the Institution's Policy, we state the following: The institution will use the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) as important tools to widen access with success, to achieve inclusion and to overcome barriers to access in higher education. RPL and CAT will play important roles in promoting lifelong learning and in redressing inequities by providing alternative routes into higher education.

    The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is central to the notion of lifelong learning and, by providing alternative access to higher education, will play a role in redressing past inequities. RPL is the process through which informal learning is measured, evaluated and translated into perceived formal equivalents for recognition across different contexts. The goal of RPL is the facilitation of alternative access and admission to higher education, or progression within qualification.

    The National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019) indicates that there are two types of RPL, being RPL for access and RPL for credit. Both are applicable to this Diploma.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL will be used to provide alternative routes into the Diploma in Entrepreneurship.
  • In line with policy, no more than 10% of any cohort will be admitted through RPL.

    RPL for credits:
  • The latter is equally applicable (with CAT) and students looking to articulate horizontally or diagonally into the Diploma will be granted credits for equivalent level 5 modules passed at another institution or at UMP.

    RPL Process Guidelines:
    The assessment of RPL candidates and the decision concerning status recognition and admission are academic tasks undertaken by discipline experts and quality assured by the faculty.
    The RPL process at the institution will normally involve the following:
  • Prior to formal application, learners seeking RPL access to a specific programme of study will approach the Registrar's Office and will then be directed to the appropriate Head of School.
  • The Head of School will screen and advise the adult learner whether RPL is an option that they could pursue and what the procedure will entail.
  • The applicant then completes an RPL application form and pays an application fee. The form is submitted to the Registrar's Office in the normal way.
  • The Registrar's Office forwards the RPL application form to the relevant Dean who forwards it to the appropriate Head of School.
  • The Head of School will identify an appropriate assessor(s) (normally the Programme Leader).
  • The assessor (s) advise the applicant on how to gather and present the evidence required to demonstrate that they have met the stated learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria, and how the evidence needs to be presented for assessment.
  • The assessment of the applicant is undertaken in a fair, transparent way against explicit assessment criteria. The Head of School is responsible for ensuring that quality assurance requirements have been met.
  • The outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor (s)and a recommendation regarding status recognition and admission to a programme, articulation or recognition for a module, will be documented by the Head of School.
  • The final decision regarding the recognition of status and admission of the RPL candidate to a particular programme of study will be made by the Dean and reported to the Registrar's Office, Faculty, the Teaching & Learning Committee of Senate and Senate.
  • The Registrar's Office is responsible for communicating the outcome and decision to the applicant.
  • Appeals concerning the outcome of RPL results will be considered by the DVC (Teaching and Learning) and Registrar and the decision will be final.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate with admission to Diploma or equivalent, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5 and 6, totalling 372 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5: 132 Credits.
  • Foundations of entrepreneurship and small business management, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Law and Contract Management, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Finance and Accounting Principles, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Communication and Literacy, 12 Credits.
  • Economics for Entrepreneurs, 12 Credits.
  • Data Analytics for Entrepreneurs, 12 Credits
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing Strategies, 12 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management for Start-ups, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation for Entrepreneurs, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Business Planning, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6: 240 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Business Management, 15 Credits.
  • Costing and Financial Estimation, 15 Credits.
  • Micro-economics for entrepreneurs, 15 Credits.
  • Operations Management, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship Project 1, 30 Credits.
  • Taxation/Tax Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Business Innovation, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Business Strategy,15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Business Models, 20 Credits.
  • Small Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Business and Marketing Research, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship Project 2, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and an understanding of conceptual, theoretical, practical, and methodological approaches in entrepreneurship.
    2. Apply knowledge and understanding as a basis for original and critical development and application of ideas to constructively and knowledgeably contribute to knowledge development and practice in entrepreneurship.
    3. Assess, evaluate, integrate, and apply such knowledge to propose solutions to specific social, environmental, and economic problems in the African context.
    4. Apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to entrepreneurship and handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, and accommodate multiple views of reality.
    5. Formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, which include reflection on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of own knowledge as well as judgments in the social, environmental, and economic contexts.
    6. Undertake independent projects in the field of entrepreneurship, including the ability to select and apply relevant tools for collecting, interpreting, and assessing information on economic processes and their impacts, including knowledge from a variety of relevant sources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define the terms entrepreneur and entrepreneurship and describe the environment in which entrepreneurship occurs.
  • Explain the importance of entrepreneurship to the economy.
  • Explain the entrepreneurship process and theories.
  • Explain the innovation and creativity process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Initiate and execute research projects based on knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship concepts and principles.
  • Conceptualise and implement new business ideas.
  • Illustrate understanding and contest knowledge relating to various conflicting views of in in entrepreneurship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Propose solutions to special social, environmental, and economic problems in the African context.
  • Illustrate ability to deal with the complexities of social, environmental, and economic processes and issues.
  • Analyse a broad perspective of social, environmental, and economic problems using conceptual frameworks sensitive to relevant social, environmental, and economic aspects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop new business ideas to address socio-economic problems in communities.
  • Integrate multi-disciplinary perspectives/views into solving business problems.
  • Evaluate, integrate, and apply knowledge from multiple sources to address complex and multidisciplinary management issues in entrepreneurship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Formulate judgments with limited information.
  • Display reflections on social and ethical responsibilities through reflection assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Undertake independent projects using the relevant tools for collecting, interpreting, and assessing information.
  • Independently complete tasks and projects and display leadership, responsibility, and accountability.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment policy of the University (Assessment and Moderation of Student Learning Policy) is the document that informs and guides assessment at UMP. The policy emphasizes that assessment is both for and for learning and it identifies a series of guiding principles.
    In all modules, assessment is both formative and summative.

    Formative assessment:
    formative assessment will be provided with a range of assessment opportunities throughout the module, and the feedback will be used by learners to improve their learning. In this developmental approach to assessment, assessment tasks are provided regularly and are closely aligned with the learning outcomes of a module; comprehensive feedback is provided to help students learn; and opportunities are provided for students to demonstrate that their learning has developed or progressed. Through this, students are empowered in the assessment process and are assisted in monitoring their learning.
  • Learners will be provided with a variety of different types of assessment tasks including tests and assignments requiring some desktop research, and written assignments of different lengths and styles.
  • Formative assessment of practical work and technical skills includes assessment of work in the practical project activities.

    Summative assessment:
    In summative assessment, the extent to which learners have achieved the outcomes will be assessed at the end of a module.
  • A single exam that in most cases includes a practical component.
  • Exceptions to this is the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) module where there is no examination and assessment is continuous. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Entrepreneurship has been benchmarked against other similar qualifications in other African countries, New Zealand, the United States of America, and Australia.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: Namibia Business School
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Business Management
    Level: Level 6
    Credits: 136
    Duration: 1 year
    Entry Requirements:
  • A relevant [NQA Level 5] qualification from a recognized institution of higher learning with a minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, of which one year should be at a managerial level.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to provide business managers with an understanding of contemporary challenges of management by exploring new approaches and practices and their integration into the broader organizational strategy.

    Upon completion of a qualification, a learner would have gained the following skills:
  • Effective Business Communication.
  • Negotiation.
  • Problem-solving and Critical Thinking.
  • Decision-making.
  • Strategic Management.

    Modules:
  • English for Business Communication, 7 Credits.
  • Workplace Digital Literacy, 7 Credits.
  • Marketing for Managers, 14 Credits.
  • Computerized Business Accounting for Managers, 14 Credits.
  • Operations and Project Management, 14 Credits.
  • Business Finance for Managers, 14 Credits.
  • Strategic Management for Managers, 14 Credits.
  • Change Management for Managers, 14 Credits
  • Business Ecosystem and Negotiation Skills, 14 Credits.
  • Applied Business Management Project, 24 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are registered on the same NQF Level.
  • Both qualifications offer similar modules and are offered over a three-year period.
  • Both qualifications offer similar outcomes with a focus to problem solving, effective communication and business decision making.

    Differences:
  • Difference noted in entry requirements and duration of study.
  • The Namibian qualification does offer Entrepreneur modules but focuses on business management.

    Country: United State of America
    Institution: University of Phoenix
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Business
    Credits: 120
    Duration: 4 years

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) undergraduate qualification is designed to prepare qualifying learners with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively apply various business principles and tools in an organizational setting. The BSB foundation is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, while examining the areas of accounting, communications, diversity and inclusion, economics, finance, business law and ethics, management, marketing, organizational behavior, business analytics, and information systems. Learners are required to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the undergraduate business curricula through a business capstone course.

    Qualification Structure/Content:
    This qualification c focuses on Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

    Modules:
    This qualification includes the following modules:
  • Accounting.
  • Finance.
  • Business Law.
  • Management.
  • Marketing.
  • Technology.
  • Small Business Planning.
  • Financial Management.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Small Business Management.
  • Operations Management.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and the University of Phoenix (UP) share similarities with the SA qualification designed to enable new business start-ups as well as to provide the entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in the corporate environment.
  • The UP qualification prepares graduates to apply business principles across organizations. Focus on management, leadership, and global business environments.
  • Both qualifications include some similar modules.

    Differences:
  • The Bachelor of Science in Business is a 4-year qualification while the Diploma in Entrepreneurship is a 3-year qualification.
  • The qualification does not include modules such as Taxation, Data Analytics, Human Resources Management, etc.

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications from Namibia and USA are comparable to the South African qualification in terms of purpose and course content. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Business Intelligence Analyst, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accountant, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A. 

    NOTES 
    N/A. 

    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. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.