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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: 

Higher Certificate in Public Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97751  Higher Certificate in Public Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with effective and efficient administration skills relevant to the Public Sector. The qualification recognises the generic skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and values expected of a competent person in a wide range of contexts in the administration role of the public sector.

On completion of this qualification the qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Provide an effective administration service at practitioner level in the public sector at national, provincial or local government level.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks applicable to own work environment.
  • Deliver and make informed judgements about the quality of the administration service, offered to clients.
  • Use and maintain computers and workplace equipment relevant to own public administration role in own operating context.
  • Maintain health, safety and security of the work community and environment.

    Rationale:
    The Higher Certificate in Public Administration is designed to provide learners with a blend of administration skills relevant to the context of the public sector with the aim of rapidly building the skills base within the public sector. It ties in with the overall objectives of the public sector to ensure learners are skilled in line with the strategic need of the identified competences.

    The qualification reflects the skills and competencies required of people employed, or seeking employment in the Public Sector, in a role of providing administrative services. The importance of the ethical base of service delivery is reflected in this qualification. Additionally this qualification contributes to the development of information technology, communications, writing, and service delivery competencies. It provides for learners who have no formal education with an opportunity through formal assessment to:
  • Have their prior learning formally recognised.
  • Identify gaps in their skills and knowledge.
  • Structure learning programmes to close those gaps. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows candidates access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (work experience). RPL applications are received by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) candidates applying for recognition of prior learning will be required to provide evidence of competence by means of portfolios or by completing assessments as per targeted Exit Level Outcomes.

    The portfolio of evidence will be sent to the relevant Academic Department for assessment. The department's RPL committee will assess the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant Exit Level Outcomes.

    Assessments in the form of written examinations may be conducted. The candidates will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable Exit Level Outcome.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • DUT Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • Public Service Delivery, 16 Credits
  • Public Finance Management, 16 Credits.
  • Corporate Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Public Management and Administration, 16 Credits.
  • Public Sector People Management, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Motivation, 16 Credits.
  • Coaching and Mentoring, 16 Credits.
  • Self/Personal Mastery, 16 Credits.
  • Conflict Management, 16 Credits.
  • Change and Diversity, 16 Credits.
  • Innovation and Creative Thinking, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Provide an effective administration service at a practitioner level of the public sector at national, provincial or local government level.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks applicable to own work environment.
    3. Deliver and make informed judgements about the quality of the administration service, offered to clients.
    4. The ability to use and maintain computers and workplace equipment.
    5. Maintain health, safety and security of the work community and environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Administrative tasks are performed at a service level determined by the particular government service sector office or by an equivalent performance agreement.
  • Through effective interaction and provision of service according to realistic expectations of qualitative and quantitative outputs of administration service functions are ensured to meet the satisfaction of clients.
  • Administrative policies and procedures are understood and applied to ensure the provision of effective and efficient administrative service.
  • The main roles and responsibilities of each level of government in South Africa are explained in terms of how the roles and responsibilities contribute to the objectives of the public sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Batho Pele principles are applied when interacting with colleagues, supervisors, internal clients and customers.
  • The public service ethics and their implications are explained with examples.
  • The statutory regulations governing the department, section and division are explained with examples and applied to the work procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Customer and client feedback is obtained and used to make decisions on improving customer service.
  • Error rates in processing roles are measured to assess the attainment of benchmarks and set performance development objectives.
  • Repetitive work and complaints are used to review performance in administration roles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Computer and software is used efficiently according to organisational and functional standards and the electronic information as well as a records system is managed.
  • Computer and workplace peripherals are used in accordance with the procedures and conditions of the equipment manual and in compliance with the organisation's usage and safety procedures and requirements are maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Security, safety and health of people in the workplace are understood in accordance with the organisational security procedures.
  • People in the workplace community are supported in a manner that recognises their dignity and upholds their sense of well-being at work.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment includes both formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment is continuous and focuses on ensuring adequate levels of competencies in critical knowledge, behaviours and skills. The assessment of competencies allows for an integrated approach not only to learning but also to assessment.

    Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, assessment of competence.

    The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the Exit Level Outcomes as stated in the qualification has been achieved. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of Virginia:
    At the University of Virginia in the United States of America (USA), the Certificate in Public Administration is offered. This qualification provides the learner with the essential knowledge and skills needed to meet the administrative and management challenges of today's public sector and non-profit organisations. It also provides learners with an overview of the theory and practice of public administration. Topics covered include, the historical development of public administration, public organisational dynamics, public personnel administration, public budgeting, public policy, and ethics.

    Germany:
    The Certificate in Public Administration and Management is offered at Hertie School of Governance in Germany. The qualification assists learners to attain the skills and knowledge of a variety of sectors, disciplines and countries where they exchange views on current challenges and best practices in public management. The qualification also assists learners to gain knowledge on how to tackle multi-disciplinary problems on topics from European governance to leadership and project management.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with qualification offered in the USA and Germany. All qualifications focus on the knowledge and skills needed to meet administrative and management needs in the public sector in an efficient and effective way. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Public Administration for Community Service, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Public Administration and Management, at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.