Pre-2009 Qualifications Remain Valid Under NQF Transitional Directive

Posted 11 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Labour & Employment

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Higher Education and Training has clarified the status of legacy qualifications under the National Qualifications Framework Act, No. 67 of 2008, confirming that qualifications obtained prior to 2009 remain legally valid and registered.

In terms of the Directive on Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, confirmed that all historically awarded qualifications remain officially recognised and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD). The transitional framework is designed to facilitate the migration of older, classroom-heavy qualifications to modern, workplace-integrated occupational qualifications without invalidating previously earned credentials.

NATED Report 190-1 and Circular TC 0134(b)

Specific transitional arrangements have been established for the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) Report 190-1 programmes (N4 to N6). To manage the phasing out of these legacy programmes, the Department of Higher Education and Training has issued Circular TC 0134(b), which details:

  • The specific teach-out arrangements allowing current students to complete their qualifications;
  • Final achievement dates for the legacy N4 to N6 programmes; and
  • Learner support measures during the transition to replacement occupational qualifications.

To support the completion of National N Diplomas, the department is collaborating with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to secure funding and placements for the mandatory 18- to 24-month Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component. The department currently facilitates the placement of approximately 21,000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students annually in public and private sector workplaces.

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

  • For yourself: Verify that any pre-2009 qualifications or legacy NATED diplomas you hold are correctly recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) via the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) portal.
  • For your business: Review internal recruitment, employment equity, and skills development policies to ensure that job specifications and promotion criteria do not inadvertently discriminate against candidates holding valid pre-2009 or legacy NATED qualifications.
  • For your clients: Advise corporate clients, particularly those acting as skills development hosts, to align their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement programmes with the transitional requirements of Circular TC 0134(b) and coordinate with relevant SETAs for stipend funding.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/pre-2009-qualifications-remain-valid-says-manamela

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