Occupational Qualifications: Transitional Arrangements Update

Posted 15 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Education

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Higher Education and Training is preparing to gazette transitional arrangements and targeted extensions for legacy pre-2009 qualifications as part of the ongoing transition to occupational qualifications.

In terms of a June 2024 ministerial directive issued by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, the transition from historical “legacy” pre-2009 qualifications to occupational qualifications is currently underway. According to a media statement issued by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, the formal documents listing these legacy qualifications and their respective “targeted extensions” of between six and 24 months are expected to be gazetted on 15 June 2026.

The duration of each targeted extension will depend on specific criteria, and the forthcoming gazetted arrangements are expected to manage the phasing out of older qualifications while registering learners on the new occupational qualifications framework.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Ensure your personal professional development plans and qualifications align with the newly registered occupational qualifications rather than expiring legacy programs.
  • For your business: Audit your firm’s internal training programs and skills development curricula to identify legacy pre-2009 qualifications, and prepare to transition to the new occupational qualifications framework within the six- to 24-month extension windows.
  • For your clients: Advise corporate clients and employers to review their workplace skills plans (WSPs) and annual training reports (ATRs) to ensure compliance and funding eligibility under the new occupational qualifications framework.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/occupational-qualifications-transitional-arrangements-update

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