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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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Sugar Processing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48400  National Certificate: Sugar Processing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 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 
This Qualification is aimed at level 2 on the National Qualification Framework. It provides learners with the opportunity to obtain competence in general sugar processing practices and technology. It also provides the learner with the opportunity to gain competence in selected specialised fields i.e. extraction, juice preparation, crystallisation, sugar refining or laboratory practice.

The fundamental learning, which learners will acquire, will allow them to be able to compile verbal and written communications and perform basic calculations. The core learning will enable the learner to operate effectively within a manufacturing environment. This Qualification complies with the objectives of the NQF with regard to facilitating access to, mobility and progression within the sugar processing industry.

The Qualification focuses on the skills, knowledge, values and attitude required to progress in industry. The intention is to release the potential of people, in order for them to grow, develop and become more competent workers in industry and the sugar processing industry in particular. This Qualification will furthermore add value to the individuals, their workplace and the economy as a whole.

Rationale for the Qualification

This Qualification is aimed at people who are working in the sugar processing industry or who would like to start a career in the industry. It is aimed at formalising the process operator skills required in the sugar processing industry to facilitate career-pathing and to provide access to new entrants. The Qualification provides learners with access to learning in specialised areas within the sugar processing industry. It also provides learners with the necessary background knowledge and skills to be portable within other Industries.

Through the above the Qualification will address one of the key priorities of the Department of Labour in the reduction of unemployment and under employment. It will assist in creating job opportunities and to create a better nation at large. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners are assumed to :
Demonstrate competence in mathematics, literacy and communication skills at NQF 1 or equivalent.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
This Qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Where RPL is required the learner will need to prove competence in that specific area in order to obtain recognition of that skill and knowledge.

Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local Qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. The assessment methods and tools to be used to assess Prior Learning shall be decided upon jointly by the assessor and the learner. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Rules of combination
This Qualification consists of a minimum of 120 credits taken from 40 Fundamental, 30 Core and a minimum of 50 credits from the Elective area of specialisation. A minimum of 72 credits is at level 2. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Operate Equipment and Machinery Related to the Sugar Extraction Process.
2. Operate equipment and machinery related to juice preparation and sugar crystallisation.
3. Operate Equipment and Machinery Related to Sugar Refining.
4. Implement Laboratory Practices.
5. Demonstrate an Understanding of the Purpose and Functions of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment and the Dangers Inherent in Using this Equipment.
6. Monitor Quality Control Practices in a Food Manufacturing Environment. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.
  • Reasons and consequences of not adhering to principles, processes and operations are identified and explained
  • Machinery and equipment related to sugar extraction processes are operated according to manufacturers specifications and standard operating procedures
  • Principles of safety requirements and hygiene factors are explained and applied
  • Process conditions are monitored and maintained according to standard operating procedures

    2.
  • Basic principles, processes and operations of juice preparation are identified and explained
  • Machinery and equipment related to juice preparation processes are operated according to start up, operating and shut down procedures
  • Principles of safety requirements and hygiene factors, in particular the regulations related to pressure vessels, are explained and applied
  • Process variables are monitored and controlled according to standard operating procedures
  • Reasons and consequences of not adhering to statutory and operational requirements are identified and explained
  • Machinery and equipment related to sugar crystallisation processes are operated according to start up, operating and shut down procedures
  • Principles of safety requirements and hygiene factors, in particular the regulations related to pressure vessels, are explained and applied
  • Process variables are monitored and controlled according to standard operating procedures

    3.
  • Reasons and consequences of not adhering to statutory and operational requirements are identified and explained
  • Machinery and equipment related to sugar refining are operated according to manufacturers specifications and standard operating procedures
  • Impact of each unit operation on subsequent processes is explained in relation to the quality of the final product
  • Principles of safety requirements and hygiene factors, in particular the regulations related to pressure vessels, are explained and applied.

    4.
  • Reasons and consequences of not adhering to standard laboratory practices are identified and explained
  • Factory streams are sampled for analysis for process control purposes
  • Factory products are analysed according to accredited analytical methods as defined in standard operating procedures
  • Factory performance calculations are performed for process control purposes
  • Laboratory equipment is used according to manufacturers specifications and standard operating procedures

    5.
  • Operations and functions relating to safe operation of mechanical and electrical equipment are explained and applied
  • Maintenance operations and procedures are monitored to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures

    6.
  • The purpose of quality control practices is explained according to methodological principles and practices
  • Quality control practices are integrated into a food production or packaging line according to standard operating procedures
  • Causes of non-conformances are recorded according to standard operating procedures

    The Unit Standards within the Qualifications are structured to contain specific and critical cross-field outcomes with assessment criteria. Within each unit standard, the assessment criteria, accreditation and moderation options guide the assessors to develop assessment tools and methods. The specific, critical cross-field outcomes and assessment criteria guide the providers in developing the learning material.

    The Unit Standards within the Qualification serve as exit points for the Qualification and these Unit Standards represent meaningful recognizable outcomes within secondary agriculture.
    This Qualification, together with exposure to other specialisation areas will enable the learner to progress to learning for the National Certificate in Sugar Processing at NQF 4.

    Integrated Assessment Criteria:
    Unit Standards associated with this Qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. Assessment should focus in an integrated way on determining the competence of the learner in terms of the overall purpose and title of this Qualification.

    The term integrated assessment also implies that the theoretical and practical components should be assessed together and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessment activities should be done in real workplace situations and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show that the learner is able to display the competencies to the real work situation.

    All assessments should be conducted in line with the following documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work of learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Learners wishing to be assessed will need to provide evidence of the following:
  • Verbal and written explanations of reasons for adhering to operational and work site procedures as well as statutory requirements, adhering to specific sequence of operations, identifying deviations, taking corrective actions and recording relevant data, and reporting deviations outside the jobholder's responsibility.
  • Documentation and explanation of administrative records completed during the process of sugar processing.
  • Demonstrations of a range of actions in handling materials and equipment during sugar processing (i.e. startup, processing, shutdown and shift changeovers) and applying general safety in the workplace. Learners will also demonstrate an understanding of the Sugar Processing industry.
  • A portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner, which may include production and quality data.
    Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making 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.
    Unit Standards in the Qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should assess combinations of practical/applied, foundational (theory) and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparisons were done against Unit Standards and the level 2 Qualification registered with the Australian National Training Authority:
  • Certificate II in Sugar Milling
  • National Code SUG20102
    The above Qualification was used to benchmark this Qualification's Unit Standards. In general the National Certificate in Sugar Processing NQF 2 Qualification and its component Unit Standards were found to be very similar in content and scope in comparison to its international counterpart. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    There are numerous vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities that present itself for a learner that has achieved this qualification. An example of vertical articulation may be the National Certificate: Seed Analysis at NQF level 3. An example of horizontal articulation may be the National certificate: Grain Milling at NQF level 2. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing a learner against these unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or will assess these unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against these unit standards may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria for internal and external assessors

    Assessors need experience in the following areas:
    Interpersonal skills, subject matter and assessment.
    The assessor needs to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and design and develop assessments as described in the relevant Unit Standards. The subject matter experience must be well developed within the field of sugar processing.
    The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
    Assessors need to be registered with the Education and Training Quality Assurance Body. 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  8494  Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  7568  Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  12037  Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  114318  Describe the process flow of a sugar cane processing factory  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  114297  Explain the terms Pol, Brix and Purity  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  8493  Maintain occupational health and safety  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  8420  Operate in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  7566  Operate personal computer peripherals  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  8618  Organise oneself in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  7548  Use personal computer operating system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8963  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  9122  Demonstrate knowledge of introductory principles of chemistry and physics  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8967  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  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  114285  Boil a continuous pan  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114308  Clean evaporator vessels  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  114299  Concentrate clear juice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  114322  Control juice liming and flocculant addition  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  114324  Control juice sedimentation in the clarifier  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114311  Grow sugar crystals  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Elective  114303  Maintain vapour production and condensate removal.  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  114291  Monitor juice screens  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  114295  Off-load sugar cane using a spiller unloader  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  114327  Operate a carbonatation station  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114288  Operate a crystalliser  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  114334  Operate a phosphatation station  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114321  Operate a sugar melter  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  114332  Operate a sulphitation station  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114298  Operate cane feeder table  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  114317  Operate centrifugals  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114305  Operate decolourisation resin station  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114309  Operate dewatering mills  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  114319  Operate juice heaters  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  114306  Operate milling tandem  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
    Elective  114292  Operate refinery filters  Level 2  NQF Level 02  9 
    Elective  114300  Operate sugar cane diffuser  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
    Elective  114313  Operate sugar conditioning station  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  114294  Operate sugar dryers  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  114316  Perform factory product analysis  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
    Elective  114325  Process clarifier mud  Level 2  NQF Level 02  11 
    Elective  114329  Sample factory streams for analysis  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  114296  Start a batch pan  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  114315  Undertake factory performance calculations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Elective  114312  Use laboratory apparatus and equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 


    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. Camblish Training Institute 
    2. RCL Foods-Sugar & Milling (MP) 
    3. Shidila Trading Enterprise 
    4. Shukela Training Centre 
    5. Springbase Pty Ltd 
    6. Toro Ya Bakone Business Enterprise (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.