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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: 

Professional Post-Graduate Qualification: Company Secretarial and Governance Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
60654  Professional Post-Graduate Qualification: Company Secretarial and Governance Practice 
ORIGINATOR
General SGB 03 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Office Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-ELOAC 
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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
104989  Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  544  Complete 
104991  Occupational Certificate: Governance Practitioner  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  376  Complete 
118115  Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  156  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to equip senior managers and administrators in the public and private sectors with the theory underpinning their work. This will enable them to acquire the practical skills to perform competently at this level within an organisation.

The learning in this qualification is broad-based, with the emphasis on governance, administration and strategic issues. This covers the requirements of both the public and private sectors.

This qualification is the final step on the development path towards a full qualification in Governance and Administration. Given the need for appropriately trained and skilled managers and administrators in the corporate field (including both public and private sectors) in South Africa, successful learners will be able to contribute substantially to social and economic transformation. This is particularly relevant in the context of the need for appropriate governance in our developing democracy.

Rationale:

This qualification is the final level one in the learning pathway in Governance and Administration which starts at NQF level 4. The range of learners is identified as being people who have advanced from middle management into senior management roles up to and including director, CEO, Head of Department (public) level.

This qualification is focused on governance at a public and corporate level and includes administration, secretaryship, governance and corporate financial management. A successful learner is able to apply to be admitted to ICSA International as Chartered Secretaries.

There is sufficient demand for this qualification from corporate and public organisations. Listed organisations on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange are required by the JSE Rules to have a "suitably qualified person" appointed as Company Secretary. Our young democracy needs people in the public sector and parastatals who are suitably qualified to lead and guide our country and it's people to be ranked among the best in the world. The successful learner will find employment opportunities with this qualification, at a senior level, especially in the corporate, public sector and/or professional world. Chartered Secretaries are recognised worldwide as the appropriately qualified persons to be appointed as Company Secretaries in terms of the various statutory requirements in the different countries.

Successful learners will be able to undertake leadership roles with confidence, be able to motivate their staff, understand and advise on legal and accounting matters as well as be able to contribute to corporate and public strategic planning.

Should there be no opportunities in their present employment, passed students will be highly marketable because, by applying the course content, they will be able to become successful managers of high performing departments/teams and their management skills will prove useful in life outside the corporate and/or public environment (for example, as club/society officials). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication, Mathematical Literacy and Accounting at NQF Level 5 and in Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The individual should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment, and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Access to the qualification:

Learners should preferably have completed the National Certificate in Governance and Administration level 6, or an equivalent qualification in administration and/or management, before accessing this qualification. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
N/A 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Fundamental Component (compulsory for all learners):

1. Understand the relationship between the secretary, the board and members as well as the concepts, "compliance", "law and practice of meetings" and "share registration" and apply this knowledge to the duties of a company secretary within a corporate or public organisation environment.

Core Component (compulsory for all learners):

2. Understand and apply the concepts of corporate governance and best governance practice within a corporate and public environment.

3. Understand the importance of strategic and functional administration and apply it within a corporate/public environment.

Elective Component (learners are to choose one elective):
  • Learners who have an LLB degree with Corporate Law as a major subject, may elect to complete the first Elective (Corporate Financial Management).
  • Learners who have qualified as a CA (SA) or equivalent, or have a first B Com degree with a financial accounting and financial management component, may elect to complete the second Elective.

    4. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of the fiscal environment on the organisation and its decision-making and apply the skills of corporate financial planning.

    5. Explain legislation as applied to corporate and public bodies and apply such knowledge in practical situations.

    > Range: Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, Insider Trading Act, Access to Information Act, Electronic Communications Act, Financial Intelligence Centre Act, Public Financial Management Act and the Insolvency Act. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Fundamental Component (compulsory for all learners):

    1:
  • An understanding is demonstrated of the different roles and responsibilities of the company secretary, the directors and board members and their interaction within a corporate environment.
  • The statutory requirements for the incorporation and running of a limited liability legal entity and, the secretary's role in the financial year-end process and in the application of best practices relating to corporate governance is understood and applied in practice.
  • The company secretary's role in ensuring that general and board meetings of a legal entity are lawful are understood and applied in an organisation.
  • The work done by the secretary as the company's share registrar is explained with examples.
    > Range: Includes the supervision of share transfer secretaries.

    Core Component (compulsory for all learners):

    2:
  • The history of corporate governance is explained demonstrated by illustrating its implications and application in a company environment.
  • The functions, powers and duties of both executive and non-executive directors are explained with an emphasis on the relationship between directors and shareholders.
  • An explanation is given of all the facets of the company's financial statements and the role of the auditor in their preparation.
  • Risk management knowledge and principles are applied in a company environment.
  • A risk management plan is drawn up for a range of companies and organisations.

    3:
  • The role players in corporate/public administration are identified and an explanation given of their specific roles, functions and duties.
  • The value of information as a corporate resource within the contemporary organization using examples of good practice.
  • An assessment is made of the degree of compliance of the company/public entity with current employment law and practice.
  • An explanation is given of how different forms of provision for retirement funding are implemented by companies/organisations.
    > Range: State pension, defined contribution and defined benefit schemes.
  • The ways in which risk and its management and mitigation through insurance are addressed by organizations is explained through analysis of organizational practice.
  • The level of compliance of the organisation with regard to applicable taxation legislation is monitored with a view to recommending remedial action where compliance is unsatisfactory.
  • An explanation is given of the importance of management and protection of fixed assets in an organisation and how they contribute to an organisation's overall business objectives.

    Elective Component (learners are to choose one elective):
  • Learners who have an LLB degree with Corporate Law as a major subject, may elect to complete the first Elective (Corporate Financial Management).
  • Learners who have qualified as a CA (SA) or equivalent, or have a first B Com degree with a financial accounting and financial management component, may elect to complete the second Elective.

    4:
  • The financial requirements of an organisation and the financial sources available to it are researched and compared with each other.
  • An explanation is given of the role of capital markets and their efficiency as they relate to organisational investments.
    > Range: Johannesburg Securities Exchange, Industrial Development Corporation, Business Partners (Ex SBDC), DTI agencies, Banks.
  • The nature and importance of capital structure and the cost of capital is explained in terms of their relevance for the sustainability and profitability of an organisation.
  • The principles of working capital management in the organisational context are explained with examples of good practice.
  • An analysis and interpretation are made of financial statements from an investor's perspective.
  • Details are provided on the need for business restructuring and an analysis is made of the implications to a range of organisations.
  • An understanding is demonstrated of the impact of global and multinational operations on corporate financial management.

    5:
  • The concept of "corporate personality" as applied to business entities is explained in terms of the legal implications this has for organisations and its board, board members and management staff, as well as any other role players.
  • Details are provided of the interaction required and permissible between members, the corporate body and third parties in terms of functions, duties, responsibilities and the disclosure of information.
  • The Public Financial Management Act is applied in the service delivery of a public institution.
  • The implications of The Public Financial Management Act for the taxpayer are explained illustrating both the advantages and disadvantages.
  • The qualifications, appointments and duties of directors and officers of corporate bodies are explained by relating them to the functions, duties and responsibilities of each person.
  • An explanation is given of the purpose of meetings of companies and CC's.
  • The concepts, "Members' interests", "minority protection", "shares" and "debentures" and their transactions are explained by way of practical examples from organisations.
  • The statutory provisions addressing corporate entities facing closure are explained in terms of the protection they offer the various role players and stakeholders involved with and in the organisation/entity.

    Integrated assessment:

    The qualification and its associated assessment criteria have been designed to be assessed through formative and a summative assessment, which could take the form of a final examination.

    The learner will need to :
  • Demonstrate competence by means of the practical application of the embedded knowledge.
  • Illustrate a clear understanding of the concepts, theory and principles that underpin the practical action taken by means of explanation and/or examination.

    The assessments are designed to indicate not only the knowledge gaps and skills deficits of the learner, but also highlight the learner's strengths and weaknesses related to the other elements of applied competence, namely:
  • Information processing and the power of analysis.
  • Problem solving and a decision making capacity.
  • Communication skills.

    The need for appropriate coaching methods and training interventions will therefore become apparent. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is in every way equivalent to the ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) international qualification offered in the following countries: United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malawi, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Swaziland, India and Ghana. The comparable qualification in Malaysia is entitled the Professional Programme Part 2; In Canada, the qualification is also called the Professional Programme Stage 2; in Hong Kong it is known as the Professional Programme Stage 2; in Australia the qualification is accredited as the Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance; in Singapore it is known as the Professional Programme Part 2. In the UK it is referred to as Part 2 of the International Qualifying Scheme The comparable qualification in Malaysia is entitled the Professional Programme Part 1; In Canada, the qualification is also called the Professional Programme Part 1; in Hong Kong it is known as the Professional Programme Stage 2; in Australia the qualification is accredited as the Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance; in Singapore it is known as the Professional Programme Part 1.

    The Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria of this qualification match those of the qualifications offered in each of the above-mentioned countries. The degree of difficulty and notional learning time are comparable to the offerings in those countries as well. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification should articulate with a B Com Degree and with other Certificates and Diplomas in Financial Management and Administration at Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between various 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 all exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors wishing to assess learners against this qualification should be:
  • Registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA.
  • In possession of a qualification in accounting, administration or management at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    60153  CIS Professional Post-Graduate Qualification: Company Secretarial and Governance Practice  Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa (formerly ICSA)  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120     FASSET  OQSF 
    76994  Professional Post-Graduate Qualification: Company Secretarial and Governance Practice  Generic Provider - Field 03  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120     QCTO  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.