SAQA

SAQA, the South African Qualifications Authority, is a statutory body established in 1995 to oversee the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in South Africa. Its primary mandate is to coordinate the development and implementation of the NQF, register qualifications and part-qualifications on the framework, and maintain information about qualifications and learners across the education and training system.

SAQA maintains the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD), which stores records of learners' achievements and enables recognition and comparison of learning across providers and sectors. It also has a role in recognizing foreign qualifications for purposes of admission, employment, or further study, and in advising government on qualifications policy and implementation.

Quality assurance of qualifications is carried out by the Quality Councils (Umalusi for general and further education and training, the Council on Higher Education for higher education, and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). SAQA coordinates and monitors quality assurance as part of the NQF governance, ensuring portability and coherence of qualifications.

Legislation: SAQA operates under the National Qualifications Framework Act (No. 67 of 2008) and related statutory provisions; it originated with the SA Qualifications Authority Act (No. 58 of 1995).

Governance: SAQA is accountable to the Minister of Higher Education and Training and reports to Parliament; it is funded by the national government. It collaborates with sector education and training authorities, employers, and professional bodies to align qualifications with national and international labor market needs.