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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Textile Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98918  Diploma in Textile Technology 
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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 detailed knowledge and skill needed in the textile industry to improve productivity and competitiveness in the local manufacturing sector. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of a particular area of textile processing to the efficient running of a textile process.
  • Make decisions founded in the principals of applied mathematics, science and accepted engineering practice.
  • Implement sound production organisation and control measures to a textile manufacturing process.
  • Apply accepted good management and business practice to a textile manufacturing process.
  • Specify, evaluate and develop new textile products.

    Rationale:
    The Diploma in Textile Technology is designed to provide learners with detailed knowledge and skill associated with industrial textile activity. This includes the industrial manufacture of textile fibres, yarns, and fabrics, as well as the colouration and finishing thereof. Learners would be able to display competence in the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities associated with a career within the textile industry and its suppliers. The Textile industry has been identified as a critical area of employment for economic growth in South Africa and the government has generated a number of assistance schemes in place. This qualification will equip learners with knowledge and skill in order to contribute positively on improving competitiveness in the local manufacturing sector.

    In the development process of this qualification, experts from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) were consulted in specialist areas for appropriate content. Our ongoing relationship with the South African Dyers and Finishers Association was used to derive input. All our lecturing staff have received internationally in the United Kingdom, Iran, and Eastern Europe, and have contributed their opinions based on their experience. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The modular structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) possible and is applicable to all prospective candidates of the Diploma in Textile Technology, which may be achieved in part through the RPL. This includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the prospective candidate is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits would be assigned to the prospective candidate.

    The department's RPL process will be aligned to the Durban University of Technology's (DUT) RPL Policy. The purpose of the DUT policy is to:
  • Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the DUT.
  • Facilitate access and admission to learning programmes within education and training and career paths.
  • Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
  • Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the DUT.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to the Diploma in Textile Technology is:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC).
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV); or Equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 modules.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 5, 80 Credits.
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Chemistry 1, 12 Credits.
  • Physics 1, 16 Credits.
  • Survey of the Textile Industry 1, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 6, 200 Credits:
  • Community Engagement and Development, 12 Credits.
  • Textile Materials, 16 Credits.
  • Yarn Technology 2, 16 Credits.
  • Product Engineering 1, 16 Credits.
  • Weaving Preparation, 12 Credits.
  • Weaving Technology 2, 16 Credits.
  • Knitting Technology, 12 Credits.
  • Colouration Technology 2, 16 Credits.
  • Textile Practice Research Project, 28 Credits.
  • Production Organization, 8 Credits.
  • Testing and statistics, 16 Credits.
  • Non-Woven Technology, 12 Credits.
  • Finishing Technology, 12 Credits.
  • Industrial Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Product Engineering 2, 12 Credits.
  • Community Engagement and Development, 12 Credits.

    Electives: Faculty General Education, at NQF Level 5, 12 Credits (choose one):
  • Applied Science and Wellness, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Applied Sciences, 12 Credits.

    Electives: Institutional General Education, at NQF Level 5, 8 Credits (choose one):
  • Alternate Healing Practices, 8 Credits.
  • Interpersonal Communication & Self, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Technopreneurship, 8 Credits.
  • Me, My World, My Universe, 8 Credits.
  • Practical Parenting, 8 Credits.
  • Reflections on Quantitative Thinking, 8 Credits.
  • Values in the Workplace, 8 Credits.
  • Constitutional Law and Human Rights, 8 Credits
  • Cultural Diversity, 8 Credits.
  • Hands Filled with Meaning, 8 Credits.
  • Kwa-Zulu Natal's Maritime Heritage, 8 Credits.
  • Law for Life, 8 Credits.
  • Literacies through Literature, 8 Credits.
  • Violence and Nonviolence, 8 Credits.
  • Sustainable Earth Studies, 8 Credits.
  • World of Work, 8 Credits.
  • Leadership, 8 Credits.

    Electives: Faculty General Education, at NQF Level 6, 12 Credits (choose one):
  • Applied Sciences for Sustainable Development, 12 Credits.
  • Role of Applied Science in Society, 12 Credits.

    Electives: Institutional General Education, at NQF Level 6, 8 Credits (choose one):
  • Alternate Healing Practices, 8 Credits.
  • Interpersonal Communication and Self, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Technopreneurship, 8 Credits.
  • Me, My World, My Universe, 8 Credits.
  • Practical Parenting, 8 Credits.
  • Reflections on Quantitative Thinking, 8 Credits.
  • Values in the Workplace, 8 Credits.
  • Constitutional Law and Human Rights, 8 Credits
  • Cultural Diversity, 8 Credits.
  • Hands Filled with Meaning, 8 Credits.
  • Kwa-Zulu Natal's Maritime Heritage, 8 Credits.
  • Law for Life, 8 Credits.
  • Literacies through Literature, 8 Credits.
  • Violence and Nonviolence, 8 Credits.
  • Sustainable Earth Studies, 8 Credits.
  • World of Work, 8 Credits.
  • Leadership, 8 Credits.

    Electives, NQF Level 7, 28 Credits (choose one option):
    Dry Option:
  • Weaving Technology 3, 16 Credits.
  • Yarn Technology 3, 12 Credits.

    Wet Option:
  • Colouration Technology 3, 16 Credits.
  • Chemistry and Colour Physics, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of a particular area of textile processing to the efficient running of a textile process.
    2. Make decisions founded in the principals of applied mathematics, science and accepted engineering practice.
    3. Implement sound production organisation and control measures to a textile manufacturing process.
    4. Apply accepted good management and business practice to a textile manufacturing process.
    5. Specify, evaluate and develop new textile products. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Principles behind the major textile manufacturing operational stages are understood and explained.
  • Operational parameters and operational rates are quantified.
  • Potential limitations and problems are identified.
  • Options for improvement are formulated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate data is measured and quantified.
  • Numerical and statistical data is calculated and displayed in an appropriate way.
  • A course of action based on accepted scientific and engineering practice is selected.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Production measuring techniques are applied appropriately.
  • Calculated data is processed and translated into industry standard formats and is made communicable.
  • An awareness of possible problems and misrepresentations is demonstrated.
  • Lower level management decisions are made based on the outcomes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Situations in a production environment with sensitivity to applicable South African Labour Legislation are managed.
  • An employment contract is evaluated and negotiated.
  • Plant level industrial relation procedures are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A vocabulary of important product parameters associated with yarns and fabrics is developed.
  • Knowledge of commonly used ways by which a textile product can be modified is applied.
  • Industry standard software is used to design and aid product development.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessments will combine a number of different elements and will require learners to bring together different sets of outcomes of learning into a demonstration of applied competence.

    Integrated assessment will be emphasized in the Diploma in Textile Technology because it links to the notion of applied competence which is a central concern of the National Qualification Framework. Applied competence will be achieved by combining practical competence, foundational competence and reflective competence.

    Integrated assessments will:
  • Assess a number of outcomes together using written classroom tests, and or assignments.
  • Assess a number of assessment criteria together using written classroom tests, and assignments.
  • In some cases use a number of assessment methods for an outcome.
  • In cases acquire additional evidence from other sources such as supervisor's reports.
  • Use internal moderators to validate results. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of Newcastle:
    The University of Newcastle in Australia offers a qualification in Textile Technology.
    This qualification introduces learners to the professional and applied skills required in the focus area of apparel. Through the study of designers, design influences and technology choice, learners develop skills in graphical communication and design application, and pattern making and manufacturing. This qualification also explores fibre technology and utilizes research and experimentation in the area of fibre properties and performance. Learners undertake work in a cross cultural and historical context that work toward the development of an innovative and creative folio and project item guided by the design brief.

    Indian Institute of Technology:
    The Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, India offers a Diploma in Textile Design. This qualification forms the core of the entire business of fashion. This qualification will prepare the learners for a wide range of careers in the textile mills and export houses, with fashion designers, design studios, mills, buying houses handloom cooperatives and buying agencies as Designer or Fabric Managers, or work independently as Designers or Entrepreneurs.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with both qualifications from Australia and India. All qualifications provide a learner with knowledge related to textile activity such as, yarns, fibre, knitting, colouring, manufacturing, etc. The aim is to produce competitive professionals, who will contribute to the exports produced in a country for trading purposes to contribute positively towards improving economy. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides possibilities of articulation both horizontally and vertically.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Textile Design Technology, at NQF Level 6.
  • National Diploma in Textile Design and Technology, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Technology Textile Design Technology, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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.