South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is the oversight body of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the custodian of its values and quality character.

The South African Qualifications Authority is a public entity of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) under the National Government of South Africa.

The role of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), as stipulated in the NQF Act, is to advance the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework, oversee the further development and implementation of the NQF, and co-ordinate the Sub-Frameworks.

The objectives of the NQF as outlined in the NQF Act No 67 of 2008 are to:

  • Create a single integrated national framework for learning achievements
  • Facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education, training and career paths
  • Enhance the quality of education and training
  • Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities

The functions of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) are set out in section 13 of the NQF Act, which, in summary, mandates SAQA to:

  • Oversee NQF implementation and collaborate with the Quality Councils
  • Develop and implement NQF policies and criteria
  • Register qualifications and part-qualifications on the NQF
  • Recognise professional bodies and register professional designations
  • Undertake research and collaborate with international counterparts
  • Maintain the National Learners’ Records Database
  • Provide an evaluation and advisory service with respect to foreign qualifications
  • Inform the public about the NQF
  • Provide advice to the Minister of Higher Education and Training

Vision

The vision of the South African Qualifications Authority is to be a world-class National Qualifications Framework that works for the people in South Africa.

Mission

The mission of the South African Qualifications Authority is to oversee the further development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework, and advance its objectives which contribute to the full development of each lifelong learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.

Values

The values of the South African Qualifications Authority are:

  • Social and economic transformation
  • Integration
  • High energy and corporate vibrancy
  • Quality service
  • Integrity
  • Quality qualifications
  • Environmental sustainability

Overseeing Department/Entity

Office Bearers/Management

Chairperson

  • Dr James Keevy (Interim)

Board Members

  • Ms Jo-Ann Christine Agulhas
  • Mr Ashley Benjamin
  • Ms Nyawa Dikwayo
  • Mr Bonisile McLaren Gantile
  • Dr Whitfield Green
  • Dr James Keevy
  • Mr Mark Mamello Mafisa
  • Dr Thabo Shadrack Mashongoane
  • Dr Linda Meyer
  • Mr Vijayen Naidoo
  • Ms Anne Kathleen Oberholzer
  • Dr Mafu Rakometsi
  • Ms Faseega Solomon
  • Ms Trudi van Wyk

Chief Executive Officer

  • Ms Nadia Starr

Chief Financial Officer

  • Mr Innocent Gumbochuma

Chief Operations Officer

  • Dr Makhapa Makhafola

Directors

  • Dr Heidi Bolton (Senior Manager: Research)
  • Ms Bolekwa Maseti (Senior Manager: People Management)
  • Mr Jacob Nel (Senior Manager: Registration and Recognition)
  • Ms Martha Pendu (Senior Manager: ICT)

Senior Management

  • Dr Heidi Bolton Heidi Bolton (Manager: Research)
  • Ms Annemarie Janse Van Rensburg (Senior Manager: Authentication Services)
  • Ms Nolusindiso Kayi (Senior Manager: Strategic Research Projects)
  • Ms Nomfundiso Kgomo (Manager: Governance, Risk, Compliance and Legal)
  • Mr Reginald Mazana (Senior Project Manager: Information and Communications Technology [ICT])
  • Mr Japie Nel
  • Mr Jeremy Thomas (Supply Chain and Facilities Management)

Communications Officers

  • Mr Navin Vasudev (Manager: Communications)

Contact Details

The contact details of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) are listed in the table below.

Physical Address:Lourie Place, 189 Lunnon Road, Hillcrest Office Park, Hillcrest, Pretoria 0083
Postal Address:Postnet Suite 248, Private Bag X06, Waterkloof, 0145
Telephone:012 431 5000
Email:saqainfo@saqa.org.za
Website:www.saqa.org.za