Cape Town – South Africa’s post-school education and training system is undergoing a significant transformation, with more than 1,400 legacy qualifications reaching the end of their registration period as the government advances plans to modernise the country’s qualifications framework and expand occupational-based learning.
According to IOL, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela announced during a media briefing on Wednesday that 1,475 pre-2009 qualifications have reached their registration end date as part of the ongoing reform of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
“The transition from legacy qualifications to occupational qualifications represents one of the most significant reforms in South Africa’s post-school education and training landscape,” Manamela said.
The minister was quick to reassure students and graduates that the changes do not invalidate qualifications that have already been obtained.
“Let me state from the outset that this transition is not about invalidating qualifications that people have worked hard to achieve, nor is it about diminishing the value of learning that has already taken place,” he said.
📰🗞️ Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, outlined developments regarding the implementation of transitional arrangements for occupational qualifications and provided clarity on the phasing out of certain pre-2009 qualifications. The reforms form part of… pic.twitter.com/QmifghflbY
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 11, 2026
“Every qualification that has already been awarded remains valid, recognised and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD).”
According to The Citizen, the announcement comes ahead of the publication of a Government Gazette on 15 June, which will outline the transitional arrangements for qualifications affected by the changes.
The reforms form part of the implementation of the Directive on Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, published in June 2024 under the National Qualifications Framework Act.
Manamela said the objective is to create a more modern and responsive qualifications system by strengthening links between education, training and labour market demands, while accelerating the introduction of occupational qualifications.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
