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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: Paralegal Practice |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
97228 | National Certificate: Paralegal Practice | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Legal Education and Training | ||||
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. | SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security | Justice in Society | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 131 | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 091/21 | 2021-07-01 | 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 |
117325 | Occupational Certificate: Paralegal | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | 330 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide the qualifying learner with a basic knowledge and understanding of the South African legal system, fundamental laws, their application and social context so as to enable the learner to provide supervised support and assistance in a paralegal environment. Qualifying learners will be able to: This qualification equips learners to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa's constitutional democracy by enhancing access to justice and promoting economic and social transformation. Rationale: This qualification is meant to prepare qualifying learners for supervised practice as paralegal assistants in all sectors of the industry, which includes: Paralegal assistants play an important role in providing support services to legal and paralegal practitioners; as well as limited assistance to members of the public. This results in a greater capacity to address the growing social demand for legal services and limited legal assistance as South Africans embrace democracy and seek to protect their rights. This qualification will produce qualified and competent assistants to ensure that primary legal services are more accessible and affordable to the public. It includes legal, administrative and social knowledge and skills; although the emphasis is on providing support or supervised practice. It intends to equip the learner with the necessary life skills and has an integrated approach on critical cross-field outcomes. This certificate establishes minimum standards and contributes to quality service provision; as a result communities will receive assistance in compliance with ethical and professional standards. This qualification will provide a career-path for those qualifying learners intending to further their studies in all sectors of the paralegal or legal profession. The portable unit standard format allows specific unit standards to contribute to qualifications in the legal, development, public administration and commercial fields. This qualification will facilitate the accumulation of credits through institutionalised and workplace learning. The qualification also provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to gain credits through a RPL process. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that learners enrolling for this qualification will have acquired all the outcomes in the following learning areas:
Recognition of prior learning: This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning, which where necessary, must be contextualised in terms of fundamental law and the requisite administrative support skills. 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. All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
The qualification must include at least one level 5 elective.
Specialisation: Human Resource and Employee Relation (Learning Programme ID 97229): |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
The qualifying learner will be able to:
1. Apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of law to a specific problem within the South African legal context. 2. Apply appropriate technology in order to conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner. 3. Communicate with internal and external clients in a paralegal or legal workplace. > Range: Communication refers to both written and oral communication. 4. Guide and refer clients in a paralegal context. 5. Assist in solving problems in a paralegal context by working in a team and individually 6. Provide administrative and organisational support in an office environment. 7. Exercise ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with internal and external clients. Critical cross- field outcomes: Examples of specific assessment of the above Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are described in each Unit Standard. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
For award of the whole qualification, candidates must achieve the required number of credits as well as the criteria specified for integrated assessment. Competence will be evident when:
1: 2: 3: > Range: Principal refers to a paralegal or legal practioner or any employee in a paralegal sector. 4: > Range: Support services also include referral to appropriate practitioners with relevant follow up. 5: 6: 7: Integrated assessment: Applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies with regard to legal administrative and social knowledge and skills) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate can integrate the various unit standard outcomes to be able to perform as a Paralegal Assistant in any of the paralegal sectors. Ongoing formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification, which tests the learner's ability to integrate legal administrative and social knowledge and skills and paralegal values. The assessment methods must include observation (e.g. during client referral), product evaluation (e.g. research report) and questioning (oral and or written) to provide sufficient opportunity to the learner to demonstrate applied competence. Integrated assessment at the level of this qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, ideas, skills, values and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is grounded in and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. When guiding or referring a client a paralegal assistant must understand legal and non-legal knowledge that addresses the client's problem; use communication skills; maintain a database of suitable referral organisations and address the case with professional and ethical conduct. An assessment of the guidance and referral of a client (e.g. simulation) would thus examine competence in range of unit standards. Integrated assessment must judge not only the quality of the observable performance but also the thinking and understanding that underpins it. Assessment tools must also encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that forms the basis for their demonstrated performance. An integrated mix of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools should be used with the ultimate focus being on the assessment of applied competence. In other words, the assessors must use a range of tools to test demonstrated competence in a practical situation (e.g. simulation or learnership on (para)legal practitioner support) as well as oral or written examination (on application of fundamental legal knowledge), that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes for all the unit standards. Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The National Para-Legal Institute of South Africa (NPI-SA), a convenor of the Para-Legal Working Group of the SGB for Legal Education and Training, conducted an internet-based survey to determine international comparability of this certificate.
The survey was conducted among leaders of various Para-Legal associations, service providers and Para-Legal learners in the different countries. Research articles on paralegals and paralegal education were also examined. Finally, specific qualifications were compared. The survey results reveal that very few countries have certificate level qualifications for paralegal assistants. Where such qualifications exist they cater for a specific sector and do not integrate legal knowledge with paralegal and administrative skills. South Africa is unique in seeking to address the needs of paralegal assistants working in all sectors. International comparability was tested in the following countries: United Kingdom: 1. The Intermediate Award in Developing Information, Advice and Guidance Skills compares favourably with the certificate in terms of the inclusion of paralegal and administrative skills. It includes unit standards on: 2. The ILEX Paralegal Programme Legal Secretaries Certificate was compared with this qualification. It compares favourably in terms of the administrative, communication, client care skills and legal technology skills included. The ILEX certificate does not include any legal knowledge courses. 3. The ILEX Paralegal Programme level 2 Certificate in Vocational Paralegal Studies was compared with this qualification. It contains courses on the legal environment, legal principles and civil litigation. It does not contain administrative or paralegal skills. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
Learners who have achieved the Certificate in Paralegal Practice will have access to the Diploma in Paralegal Practice.
This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications: Competence in individual Unit Standards will be retained by the learner who exits the qualification before completion. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments. Moderation of assessments will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and agreed ETQA procedures. This qualification can be internally assessed by assessors of the provider and moderated by a moderator registered by the relevant ETQA. Moderation shall comply with SAQA requirements.
Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification or its unit standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
Assessors for this qualification will hold a level 6 qualification in law or possess the technical expertise to achieve this qualification and have worked as a paralegal practitioner for at least 5 years.
Additional requirements for assessors may be specified in each unit standard. |
NOTES |
N/A |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 115855 | Create, maintain and update record keeping systems | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 119503 | Demonstrate an understanding of procedure in courts and other fora | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 20 |
Core | 119508 | Demonstrate an understanding of South African law and the legal system with specific emphasis on Paralegalism | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Core | 115823 | Gather and manage information for decision-making | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 119509 | Guide and refer clients in terms of legal enquiries | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Core | 7865 | Improve service to customers | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 6 |
Core | 8663 | Plan and conduct a research project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 110531 | Plan, organise and control the day-to-day administration of an office support function | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 14505 | Apply the principles of ethics and professionalism to a business environment | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 6 |
Core | 116104 | Use technology effectively in the practice of law | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 6 |
Fundamental | 119505 | Apply fundamental legal concepts, principles, theories and values within a paralegal sector | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 20 |
Fundamental | 8647 | Apply workplace communication skills | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Fundamental | 11994 | Monitor, reflect and improve on own performance | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Elective | 114478 | Conduct basic lay counselling in a structured environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 15 |
Elective | 14646 | Demonstrate an understanding of the human rights contained in the bill of rights | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
Elective | 110055 | Facilitate learning in development practice | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 14 |
Elective | 13948 | Negotiate an agreement or deal in an authentic work situation | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
Elective | 114738 | Perform financial planning and control functions for a small business | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
Elective | 13648 | Apply appropriate social protocols in the workplace and community | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 365181 | Apply court ethics and the etiquette when acting as a prosecutor | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 4 |
Elective | 119510 | Apply fundamental concepts, theories and related values of a selected subject area | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Elective | 365179 | Apply the general principles of legal costs in the magistrate courts | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 3 |
Elective | 365219 | Apply the supervision role of the executor's administration of a deceased estate | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 6 |
Elective | 365184 | Consider default judgements in terms of Rule 12 of the Magistrates' Court Act 32 of 1944 | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 4 |
Elective | 15093 | Demonstrate insight into democracy as a form of governance and its implications for a diverse society | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 13484 | Perform successful event administration | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 13925 | Present information in a public setting | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 365180 | Tax bills of costs in the magistrates' court | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 5 |
Elective | 365220 | Understand and apply the principles and rules relating to the admissibility and proof of the contents of relevant detrimental statements | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 6 |
Elective | 365187 | Apply the master's supervision of the administration of an estate of a person incapable of managing his or her own affairs | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 5 |
Elective | 365185 | Apply the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 in Public Bodies | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 5 |
Elective | 365199 | Apply the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, Act 3 of 2000 | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 10 |
Elective | 365182 | Appoint a Tutor, Curator or Administrator to a person incapable or prohibited from managing his or her own affairs | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 10 |
Elective | 365191 | Authorising a person to act in deceased estate | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 5 |
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 | 365190 | Demonstrate an understanding of the legislative factors and principles of common law impacting on specific alcohol-related road traffic offences | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 10 |
Elective | 365189 | Examine a liquidation and distribution Account in a deceased estate | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 10 |
Elective | 365186 | Examine the account of a Tutor, Curator or Administrator | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 5 |
Elective | 365188 | Practical application of the principles of legislative drafting | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 10 |
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 AssuranceFunctionary |
NQF Sub-Framework |
49597 | National Certificate: Paralegal Practice | Generic Provider - Field 08 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 131 | SAS SETA | OQSF | |
97229 | National Certificate: Paralegal Practice: Human Resource and Employee Relation | Generic Provider - Field 08 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | 131 | SABPP | 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. |
LP ID | Learning Programme Title | Accredited Provider |
49597 | National Certificate: Paralegal Practice |
1. ABBA THEKGA CONSULTING 2. ADVANCED RISK SOLUTIONS 10000 (PTY) LTD 3. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE 4. ARKE LEGAL ADVISORS 5. BITLINE SA 368 CC 6. Chithi Holdings 7. COLLINS SEBOLA FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) 8. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY DURBAN 9. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY MIDDLEBURG 10. CRANE INTERNATIONAL BURGERSFORT 11. CRANE SKILLS TRAINING ACDEMY INTERNATIONAL 12. Department Of Justice (head Office) 13. E E L PROTECTION SERVICES 14. ELASON PRO-ACTIVE SECURITY (PTY) LTD 15. ENGIE SECURITY SERVICES TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE PTY LTD 16. FUMANI HOLDINGS PTY LTD 17. GREEN MARKET SQUARE T/A SA LAW SCHOOL PRETORIA 18. HJN POLOKWANE BRANCH PTY LTD 19. HJN PROTORIA BRANCH 02 20. HJN TRAINING CC 21. Ikhwezi Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 22. JEPPE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND COMPUTER 23. Legaelamatlo Development and Projects 24. LUCENT EDUCATION PTY LTD 25. MANDULO FOUNDATION 26. MAS SAFE SECURITY CC 27. MIDRAND TRAINING ACADEMY PTY LTD 28. MY KIDS EMPIRE INVESTMENTS AND PROJECTS 29. N MAHARAJ ATTORNEYS 30. NETWORK FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT 31. Odire Occupational Health 32. OXY TRADING 735 CC 33. QUBELISA MTIYA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 34. Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 35. RI A LINDA SECURITY SOLUTIONS 36. SA PROTECTION AND SECURITY UNIT (PTY) LTD 37. SDC Security and Safety Pty Ltd 38. SHAMARIAH SECURITY AND TRAINING 39. SIYANIVIKELA SECURITY SERVICES 40. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL 41. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL RANDBURG 42. The Institute of Paralegal Practice Development and Research 43. The Skills Development Corporation Private (Pty) Ltd 44. UNLOCK INNOVATIONS (PTY) LTD 45. VEB CELE AND ASSOCIATES 46. VISHAL JUNKEEPARSAD AND COMPANY INC |
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. |