The MUT divisions that provide occupational qualifications as part of their programmes, and those responsible for ensuring that academic qualifications meet the right standards, can now approach their work with greater enthusiasm. This was after attending a training by the South African Quality Authority (SAQA) at the University’s Student Centre on 14 October 2025. SAQA is a body that is responsible for developing and implementing South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF). SAQA oversees the quality and recognition of educational and training qualifications in South Africa, including evaluating foreign qualifications for use in the country and ensuring South African qualifications are comparable internationally.
The workshop was structured as a national dialogue session, which combined elements of a consultative workshop and a strategic engagement forum. It included presentations by SAQA representatives, interactive discussions, and collaborative sessions designed to gather input from stakeholders on key policy and implementation matters.
The SAQA presentation was focused on informing, engaging, and empowering South Africans on the transition of legacy qualifications registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF). The legacy qualifications are those that existed prior to the creation of the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
Director of the Quality Management Directorate at MUT, Dr Phiwayinkosi Gumede, said the visit facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices in qualifications development, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and quality assurance. “Staff and stakeholders gained insights into current trends, challenges, and innovations in the qualifications landscape, which can inform institutional strategies and operations,” said Dr Gumede.