Pretoria: Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has moved to reassure South Africans that qualifications obtained before 2009 remain valid and continue to be officially recognised, despite ongoing reforms to the country's qualifications system. Addressing a media briefing on developments relating to the National Qualifications Framework on Thursday, Manamela said concerns that legacy qualifications would become invalid are unfounded.
According to South African Government News Agency, Manamela affirmed that "every qualification that has already been awarded remains valid, recognised and recorded on the National Learners' Records Database." His remarks come amid the implementation of the Directive on Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, which seeks to transition South Africa from older qualifications to a modern occupational qualifications framework. He stressed that the reform process is not intended to diminish the value of qualifications already earned by learners and workers.
While some pre-2009 qualifications are being phased out and replaced by occupational qualifications, the Minister assured that learners who have already completed those programs retain full recognition of their credentials. He emphasized that the qualifications have contributed meaningfully to workforce development and economic participation over many years.
Manamela also addressed concerns regarding the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) Report 190-1 programmes, assuring students that their qualifications will not lose recognition during the transition period. He encouraged students currently enrolled in N4 to N6 programmes to continue with their studies, while the department collaborates with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), industry partners, and government departments to expand workplace placement opportunities.
The Minister highlighted the necessity of a separate approach for the NATED Report 190-1 programmes due to their relevance within the education and training landscape. Replacement occupational qualifications have already been developed and are being implemented, with the department issuing Circular TC 0134(b) outlining teach-out arrangements, achievement dates, and learner support measures.
Regarding the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme, Manamela assured NATED students and the public that efforts are underway to support students in obtaining the required workplace-based experience to qualify for their National Diplomas. The department, with SETA support, facilitates the placement of approximately 21,000 TVET students annually and is prioritising engagements with employers to expand the availability of WIL opportunities.
The Minister urged all stakeholders to consult official information for clarity on transitional arrangements and emphasised that the reforms are designed to strengthen the qualifications system without disadvantaging learners who have completed their studies. "As government advances the transition towards a modernised occupational qualifications system, our foremost priority is to protect the value of qualifications, uphold public confidence in the skills development system, and ensure that every learner is afforded a fair and meaningful pathway to success and employability," Manamela concluded.