SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

National Certificate: Farming 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
20288  National Certificate: Farming 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
A learner assessed as competent against this qualification will be able to perform the necessary technical skills within the context of either agronomy, horticulture or animal husbandry as applicable to the agricultural commodity. The learner will be able to operate as part of the operational team.

In the case of the farm owner, the learner will be able to execute basic business skills and develop as a Small, Micro and Medium Enterprise.

In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of agricultural commodities, or to strive towards agricultural standards and practice at higher levels.

Competent qualifying learners in this qualification will produce quality agricultural products whereby enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.

Rationale:

The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification will vary and includes:
  • School leavers wishing to enter the primary agricultural sector;
  • Complete novices wishing to enter the primary agricultural sector, i.e. individuals who are beneficiaries of the land reform processes;
  • Learners in possession of different levels of practical experience in farming operations, which will be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning; and
  • Learners may come from both genders.

    The learner will engage in all farming activities relevant to farming operations within a specific context, namely horticulture, agronomy and animal husbandry. The farming activities will be determined by the agricultural commodity, which is produced.

    National processes such as the land reform processes and the acquisition of land by individuals who were previously excluded from such land ownership created a huge need in terms of relevant training. Individuals will benefit from such learning as they will receive entrance into a career path where they will be enabled to generate their own income either by establishing their own farming operation or be employed as farm operators.

    In many cases, communities will benefit from such endeavours as agricultural commodities will be available within a specific community. Furthermore, the opportunity to trade commodities in joining SADC countries, could be explored. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner entering a programme leading to this qualification has achieved numeracy, literacy and technical skills pertaining to agricultural activities equivalent to NQF 1.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the recognition of prior learning. Credit will be given to learning, which has already been acquired, through the appropriate process of assessment.

    For example:
  • Learners who have acquired skills and competencies in this qualification through for instance experience in the industry will be assessed against the unit standards the qualification comprises of prior to entering learning. Credits will be allocated to those unit standards and exit level outcomes in which the learner is found competent. The outstanding unit standards will then be sequenced according to an appropriate learning programme.
  • Should a new entrant into the industry wish to enter this learning programme, recognition will be given to all appropriate learning acquired through the schooling system.
  • In terms of fundamental unit standards, competencies could be acquired through life experience.

    Any learner wishing to be directly assessed may arrange to do so, without attending further training or education. The assessor and learner will decide together on the most appropriate assessment route to take. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this qualification the learner will be able to:

    1. Compile and implement a basic business plan with a short-term focus, which includes a basic sales plan and basic budgeting plan. This plan will be specific to his/her own context of operation and agricultural commodities, whether horticulture, agronomy or animal husbandry.

    2. Utilise unsophisticated and/or manual technology and solve problems within a specific context (either horticulture, or agronomy, or animal husbandry) and appropriate to a commodity(ies) of own choice.

    3. Understand and apply operational safety and hygiene standards applicable to the industry and market, taking into account the level of operational requirements.

    4. Be aware of and apply applicable legislation.

    5. Distinguish between different production systems appropriate to a specific commodity.

    6. Monitor and support disaster management and conservation management.

    7. Collect data and information.

    8. Demonstrate a basic understanding of and apply basic principles of communication within the farm operations.

    9. Work effectively with others and operate as part of a team by applying basic teamwork principles.

    10. Understand and apply basic ethical principles, values, and norms applicable to the workplace with specific reference to relationships with co-workers, clients, him- or herself as well as the environment.

    11. Identify and access basic resources.

    12. Apply basic principles of entrepreneurship (should the learner choose to include this elective in the learning programme). 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. A short-term business plan, which is specific to the context of operation and the agricultural commodity(ies), is compiled and implemented. The business plan includes a basic marketing plan and basic budgeting plan.

    2. Problems specific to the utilisation, care and maintenance of technology are identified and solved appropriately.

    3. Safety and hygiene standards applicable to the industry and market are explained and applied.

    4. Applicable legislation is named and applied.

    5. Different production systems appropriate to a specific commodity are distinguished.

    6. Disaster management and conservation management are supported and monitored.

    7. Correct information and data is collected in an appropriate format.

    8. Communication with fellow workers, supervisors and other colleagues are clear and effective.

    9. Basic team-work principles are applied.

    10. Basic ethical principles, values and norms and how they influence the agricultural process, interaction with co-workers and clients, as well as work related conflict situations are explained. Furthermore, the effect of his or her work activities on family and social life are described and appropriate steps to improve relationships are taken. Failure and/or success are dealt with constructively.

    11. Agricultural basic resources are identified and accessed timeously and effectively.

    12. An own farming unit is operated as an own business by applying basic entreprenuerial skills with the necessary support.

    NOTE: Assessment should be specific to the area of operation (either horticulture or agronomy or animal husbandry) and the agricultural commodities of the learners own choice.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is relevant and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

    Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, but also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be of a more theoretical nature. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the type and level of qualification.

    A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In the case of the primary agricultural context, especially at NQF 2, it is difficult to compare the qualification and unit standards because of the vast differences in the level of mechanisation, the level of literacy of the farm operators, climate and other conditions as well as the variety in commodities.

    However, New Zealand and Australian qualifications and unit standards were sourced and evaluated for applicability. Also, during two separate study visits, agricultural practices were compared in the Netherlands and France. But it was clear that at this level, there is no real comparability because of the reasons above. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    A learner will be able to progress vertically from one category to another, namely horticulture, agronomy or animal husbandry. He/she will be able to do this without re-doing the whole qualification, but by only completing the necessary elective unit standards.

    Furthermore, the learner can move from being employed as a farm worker to being an entrepreneur, running his/her own farming operation.

    The learner will also be able to articulate with other occupations within the agricultural pharmaceutical operations such as laboratory assistant. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification, or assessment against this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to agreed ETQA procedures.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors need:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years` practical experience;
  • Competence in the generic assessor unit standards; and
  • Technical competence at, at least one NQF level above the assessee. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    The Minimum Credits for this qualification have been corrected from 152 to 120.

    This qualification is being reviewed, and will soon be replaced by a new, up to date version. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12621  Collect, use and communicate data that relate to farming  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  12618  Demonstrate a basic understanding of agricultural production systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  12615  Demonstrate a basic understanding of the primary agricultural industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  8494  Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12619  Identify pest and diseases relevant to an agricultural commodity learner is associated with  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12617  Maintain hygiene measures  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  8493  Maintain occupational health and safety  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  8420  Operate in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12646  Perform quality checks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  12616  Operate and perform routine maintenance on equipment and tools  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  12537  Identify personal values and ethics in the workplace  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  13999  Demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting practices  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  13995  Demonstrate an understanding of contracts and their sources  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  14001  Demonstrate an understanding of managerial expertise and administrative capabilities  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  13998  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of supply and demand, and the concept: production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  13994  Identify and discuss different types of business and their legal implications  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  13996  Identify, discuss, describe and compare major economic systems, with emphasis on the South African economy  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  12623  Control weeds  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  12622  Perform routine maintenance on farm installations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  12630  Support disaster and conservation management  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  12631  Apply basic entrepreneurial principles to farming  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. 42020 Vision Training and Consulting 
    2. Abanguni College of South Africa 
    3. Academic Results Tutorials Pty Ltd 
    4. ACS Academy Pty Ltd 
    5. AGB Finance (Pty) Ltd 
    6. Agri RDA Holdings Pty Ltd 
    7. Agri Skills Transfer (PTY) Ltd 
    8. AGRICOLLEGES International (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Agriculture and Vocational Training institute 
    10. Aptenia Training and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Ashleigh Holdings Pty Ltd 
    12. Badishi Training and Consultants 
    13. Barulaganyi Trading and Projects Pty Ltd 
    14. Better Best Agri Development 
    15. Bineli farming Enterprise Pty Ltd 
    16. Bokamoso Global Solutions Pty Ltd 
    17. Camblish Training Institute 
    18. Career Builders Academy Pty Ltd 
    19. Centre For Africa Capacity Building & Development 
    20. Chisomo Projects(Pty) Ltd 
    21. Dennilton Farms Pty Ltd 
    22. Digital Dash Pty Ltd 
    23. Dinako tsa Marang Consultancy 
    24. Dynamic Training Centre 
    25. E-Tech Engineering Pty Ltd 
    26. Ekhozi Rural Development Services 
    27. Elgin Community College 
    28. ELTS Group 
    29. Emaculate Trading and Projects (pty) ltd 
    30. Emali Outsourcing 
    31. Emisa Enterprise 
    32. Enhanced Training HSE and Construction Solutions 
    33. Enviro-Leadership Consultants Pty Ltd 
    34. Everest Compliance Training and Consultation Pty Ltd 
    35. Faithworks Development Consultants ( Pty) Ltd 
    36. Farmgro TP 
    37. Ferro Atlantica Alloys Pty Ltd 
    38. GA Community Care Consultants 
    39. Ga Lechuti Transformational Talks (Pty) Ltd 
    40. Gauteng City College 
    41. Go Eden Farm Produce Pty Ltd 
    42. Good Harvest Academy Pty Ltd 
    43. Green Identity (Pty) Ltd 
    44. Greenhead Agricultural College and Training 
    45. Gung Boerdry Pty Ltd 
    46. Hamba Nathi Enterprise Pty Ltd 
    47. Helios Musa Projects Pty Ltd 
    48. Hlombe and Associates (Pty) Ltd 
    49. Hoedspruit Hub(Pty) Ltd 
    50. Hot To Go Training College and Services 
    51. Hupco Communications 
    52. HWM Consultancy (Pty) Ltd 
    53. Hymike Trading Enterprise CC 
    54. Ifa Langa Agri Training and Consulting Pty Ltd 
    55. Ikageng Training 
    56. Ikhwezi Drakensburg Rural & Urban Development Chamber 
    57. ILANGA CONSULTING TRADING AND LOGISTICS CC 
    58. Iluba lethu Projects 
    59. Image Uplifters Trading Enterprise cc 
    60. In House Media Instruction 
    61. Indima Agri Group NPC 
    62. Innopad Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    63. Insedlu Business Companion 
    64. Institute for Cooperatives and Community Economic Development 
    65. Integrated Skills Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    66. Intsukaze Training Center 
    67. Ithembalihle Training and Development 
    68. Itireleng Bokamoso Skills Development 
    69. Jaji Lithabile Skill Training and Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    70. Josmap Training Institute 
    71. Kalewe Investment Group 
    72. Kawome and Co (Pty) Ltd 
    73. Keneilwe Bhebe Mediations 
    74. Kgalishibe Pty Ltd 
    75. Kgomo-Lesiba Investments 
    76. Khongoloti Trading and Enterprise Pty Ltd 
    77. Khulani Integrated Projects 
    78. Khululekani Training Centre 
    79. KK Nzori (Pty) Ltd 
    80. Knowledge For Ever 
    81. KR Agri Services Pty ltd 
    82. KT Mills cc 
    83. Kusekelwa Kwebalimi 
    84. Lanqa Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Lavinda Trade and Invest Pty Ltd 
    86. Lenyax Farm 
    87. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    88. Leungo Consulting and Training 
    89. Linhle Enterprise Services (Pty) Ltd 
    90. Lizalise Training and Consultation ( Pty) Ltd 
    91. Lons Pride 
    92. Lovedale Public TVET College 
    93. Lupfumalo Trading and Projects Pty Ltd 
    94. Madioka Capital Holdings 
    95. Mafokata Skills Development 
    96. Magshel Consultancy and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    97. Malope IT Solutions Pty Ltd 
    98. Malwande Business Schl 
    99. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    100. Masikila Training Solution (Pty) LTd 
    101. Meals on Wheels Community Services - South Africa 
    102. Megro Learning 
    103. Millenium Skills (Pty )Ltd 
    104. Mlasimbi Catering Primary Cooperative Limited 
    105. Mmahlaba Kgomo Development Agency (Pty) Ltd 
    106. Mntambo Financial Consulting Cc 
    107. Modirisiwa Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    108. Mogotoane Business Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    109. Moshopane Business Enterprise 
    110. Mothipa Business Solutions 
    111. Motogo General Trading 
    112. Motsiri Training Pty Ltd 
    113. Mponeng Projects Pty Ltd 
    114. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    115. Mthonyama Development Enterprise & Agriculture 
    116. Mvelo Consultant 
    117. Mzansi Agricultural College 
    118. Mzanzi Training Institute 
    119. New Hope Revival Organisation 
    120. Nghilazi Group Pty Ltd 
    121. No Limits Trading Enterprise 
    122. Novi General Services 
    123. Nursing Varsity College 
    124. Orange Language Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    125. Panaroger Pty Ltd 
    126. Perennial Services 
    127. PPP4 Rural Development (Pty) Ltd 
    128. Prempie Business Solutions Pty Ltd 
    129. Rekopane Training Centre CC 
    130. Rhennym Transport and Projects Pty Ltd 
    131. Riverwalk Training CC 
    132. Safrisafe 
    133. Sam Beyeke Trading and Projects 
    134. Scientific Roots (Pty) Ltd 
    135. Sebolaishi Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    136. Sego Hludi Trading Enterprise 
    137. Senzimehluko Youth Development 
    138. Setlakala Business Development 
    139. Shibishi Farming and Projects 
    140. Shukela Training Centre 
    141. Simba Skills Consultants 
    142. Sinovuyolethu Trading Pty Ltd 
    143. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    144. Skilled Future 
    145. Skills for All 
    146. SOUTHERN AFRICAN YOUTH MOVEMENT 
    147. Stance Skills Academy Pty Ltd 
    148. Stratact (Pty) Ltd 
    149. Striving Mind Trading 289 
    150. Sypro Consulting Strategists Pty Ltd 
    151. Tatelo Group (Pty) Ltd 
    152. TCEP (Pty) Ltd 
    153. Thaliwe's Trading Enterprise 
    154. The Mushroom Hut (Pty) Ltd 
    155. The Skills College for Development & Training cc (PRETORIA) (TP) 
    156. Thuthukisa institute NPC 
    157. Thuto Ya Setshaba Training Services (Pty) Ltd 
    158. Tirisano Ya Bakwena Consultants Cc 
    159. Toro Ya Bakone Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    160. TPLR and Training Services (PTY) LTD 
    161. Try Easy Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd 
    162. Tsebo Lesedi Consultancy 
    163. Twoline Training Skills For Africa Pty Ltd 
    164. Uhuru Agronomoics Pty Ltd 
    165. Uluntu Skills Development Centre 
    166. Umfolozi FET College 
    167. UMNOTHOWESIZWE DEVELOPMENT GROUP NPC 
    168. Umthombolwazi Consultants Cc 
    169. VEB CELE AND ASSOCIATES 
    170. Virtual Hospital and Online Clinic of South Africa 
    171. Visionary Skills Academy 
    172. Vumilia Africa Group 
    173. Vuyani Agri (Pty) Ltd 
    174. Water Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    175. Womiwu Rural Development 
    176. Zamsiba Development Consultants 
    177. Zisphogo Academy International 
    178. Zoe Thato Katlego Enterprises 
    179. Zuluthwayo Trading 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.