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 Body 03 (Business, Commerce and Management Studies) invites public comment with respect to the acceptability of the nominees and the representativeness of the key education and training stakeholder interest groups listed as an SGB applicant below.

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

More information regarding this application may be obtained on the SAQA website or from the SAQA offices.

Comment should reach the NSB at the address below by not later than Monday, 06 November 2000. All correspondence should be marked SGB Formation - NSB 01 and be addressed to:

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. a. 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.

NSB 01 has received an application to recognise and register an SGB for Primary agriculture (Farming) in the sub-field of Primary agriculture.

1. Develop learning pathways for potential qualifications and unit standards in the subfield for Primary agriculture from level 1 through to level 8 [Regulations 24 (1) (e)].
2. Generate the qualifications and standards outlined below for farming in respect of field crops, animal production, horticulture, farm management, maintenance and farm mechanism in accordance with Authority requirements: [Regulations 24 (1) (a)].

• Certificate in Farming (NQF level 1 )
• Certificate in Farming (NQF level 2 )
• Certificate in Farming (NQF level 3 )
• Certificate in Farming (NQF level 4 )
• Diploma in Farm Management (NQF level 5)
• First Degree in Agriculture (NQF level 6)
• Master's and Doctoral Degree in Agriculture (NQF level 8)

3. Recommend the qualifications and standards generated under 2, above to the NSB [Regulation 24 (7) (d)].
4. Recommend criteria for the registration of assessors and moderators or moderating bodies [Regulation 24 (1) (d)].
5. Accept and perform other related functions as requested by NSB 01 [Regulation 24(1)(e)]