Government Gazette

Vol. 416, No. 20877, 18 February 2000

GENERAL NOTICE

Notice 166 of 2000

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

In order to proceed with the recognition of Standards Generating Bodies in terms of Government Regulations 19(1)(c) and 22(2) of 28 March 1998, National Standards Bodies 04 (Communication Studies and Language), 06 (Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology) and 09 (Health Sciences and Social Services) invite public comment with respect to the acceptability of the nominees and the representativeness of the key education and training stakeholder interest groups listed as SGB applicants below.

In addition, the NSBs invite submissions from interested parties wishing to serve on such SGBs. Interested parties should take note of the section on SGB Information below.

All nominations/ applications should be accompanied by curricula vitae.

More information regarding these applications may be obtained on the SAQA website or from the SAQA offices.

Comment should reach the NSBs at the address below by not later than Monday 20 March 2000. All correspondence should be marked SGB Formation - [Relevant NSB] (for example, SGB Formation - NSB 06), and be addressed to:

SGB INFORMATION

As a necessary step in the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework, The National Standards Bodies are briefed [regulation 19(1)(c) of 28 March 1998] to recognise or establish Standards Generating Bodies (SGBs). SGBs shall:

1. generate standards and qualifications in accordance with the Authority requirements in identified sub-fields and levels;
2. update and review standards;
3. recommend standards and qualifications to National Standards Bodies;
4. recommend criteria for the registration of assessors and moderators or moderating bodies; and
5. perform such other functions as may from time-to-time be delegated by its National Standards Body.

Any bodies wishing to nominate representatives, make application to serve on, or make any other submission with regard to the above SGB should note the following information.

SGBs should be composed of organisations, which shall be key education and training stakeholder interest groups and experts in the sub-field. The NSB, when making its final decisions will have due regard for, among other things, 'the need for representativeness and equity, redress and relevant expertise in terms of the work of the SGBs.'

Organisations proposing to nominate persons to SGBs should be sensitive to the need for equity and redress, and shall nominate persons who-

1. will be able to consider issues of productivity, fairness, public interest and international comparability as related to education and training in the sub-field;
2. enjoy credibility in the sub-field in question, who enjoy respect; have the necessary expertise and experience in the sub-field and have the support or backing of the nominating body;
3. are able to advocate and mediate the needs and interests of all levels within the sub-field covered by the Standards Generating Body;
4. are able to exercise critical judgement at a high level; and
5. are committed to a communication process between the Standards Generating Body, the National Standards Body and the Constituency.