An analysis of the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework in South Africa

Abstract

The dissertation, An analysis of the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework in South Africa describes the South African Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF), one of the sub-frameworks of the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The OQSF provides for occupationally-focused qualifications and serves to consolidate the South African Vocational Education and Training (VET) system within the context of the NQF. The study sets out to develop an analytical framework to guide decision makers in support of the VET system in South Africa. The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is the Quality Council (QC) responsible for the OQSF and therefore much reference is given to this QC. The study examines the QCTO approach to occupational qualification development and the policy environment that the QCTO operates within that could enable the consolidation of the South African VET system. Seminal to this approach is the necessity of dialogue between the QCTO and other NQF entities including the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The primary focus of the study is the OQSF as the principal policy instrument to consolidate the South African VET system. The policy direction taken in order to ascertain whether the policies adopted in support of the OQSF does in fact lead to systemic coherence within the South African NQF and broader skills development landscape is examined. The National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) III is the overarching strategy for skills development in South Africa and this study argues that the consolidation of the South African VET system can assist in the achievement of the goals enshrined in the NSDS III and ultimately the National Development Plan (NDP). The NSDS III focuses on the Sector Education and Training Authorities (21 SETAs currently) and the National Skills Fund (NSF). It emphasises partnerships between training institutions, SETAs and employers. The sectoral qualifications which are registered on the NQF and are utilised within the SETA landscape are on the OQSF which is the responsibility of the QCTO. The study asserts that the eight goals of the NSDS III are intrinsically linked to enabling South Africa to become a developmental state much like the East Asian states and that the consolidation of the South African VET system is an essential part of the achievement of this national objective.