Certification or qualification : an analysis of formal and non-formal higher education in South Africa

Abstract

The South African National Qualifications Framework is a comprehensive system which makes provision for the classification, registration, publication and articulation of quality-assured national qualifications. The purpose is to ensure an integrated national framework of learning achievements through the registration of qualifications and part qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority. Furthermore, the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act 97 of 1998) makes provision for the development of skills programmes which are occupationally based and creditbearing. Many higher education institutions have opted to offer these educational opportunities to learners who would not have access or time to participate in formal qualifications programmes. These short learning programmes (SLPs) are usually created in response to a needs analysis and have a specific focus, such as leadership development or financial management. The intent of the article is to contribute towards the current discussion whether SLPs are a viable and efficient mechanism to ensure capacity building within the South African public sector, with specific reference to local government