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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Water Reticulation Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23475  National Certificate: Water Reticulation Services 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
EWSETA - Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  126  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "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 
The qualification will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to work in a water services department or utility as a team leader attending to the construction and operations of a water reticulation system. Qualifying learners are able to apply health and safety legislation in the workplace, plan work tasks, read and interpret maps and drawings, identify pipes, associated fittings, valves and meters in a water reticulation system and maintain, install and operate a water reticulation system. The scope of the qualification provides a range of opportunities from large-scale urban conditions to small rural community situations. This qualification forms the foundation for advancement to the National Certificate in Supervision of Water Reticulation Services on NQF level 4 and will also lay the foundation for future career advancement across similar trades and to supervisory and management qualifications within the sector. The individual will have the capacity to advance and gain skills and self-respect as the qualified learner will be able to competently fulfil water reticulation contracts safely in a professional manner, to ensure that industry standards are maintained. This qualification has been developed to assist with standardisation across the water industry.

Rationale of the qualification:

As a result of past legacies many practitioners within the water sector were denied advancement and possible recognition as qualified tradesmen. Both employers and employees in the water sector have expressed the critical need for technical skills based qualifications for those working with the provision of potable water through water reticulation systems. The introduction of a National Certificate in Water Reticulation Services based on unit standards will allow learners the opportunity to reach their full potential of advancement without formal education becoming an impassable barrier and will also allow for the recognition of prior learning. This qualification reflects the need of employers and employees both now and for the future. This qualification also provides learners with access to the National Certificate in Water Purification and the National Certificate in Wastewater, as there is a degree of flexibility, in terms of unit standards that appear in all three qualifications. This will enable learners to pursue different careers within the water sector and enhance productivity and employability within the water sector and contribute towards the ecological sustainability and improvement of the water environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A knowledge, comprehension and application of language and mathematics at NQF level 1.

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work 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 be taken. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

2. Plan and organise tasks and resources needed for tasks.

3. Lead and supervise a small team of workers.

4. Operate and maintain a water reticulation system effectively.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of occupational health & safety.

6. Demonstrate interactive skills. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.1 Knowledge and comprehension regarding personal safety practices in a water reticulation environment as applied according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
1.2 Knowledge and comprehension of relevant sections of the National Water Act.
1.3 Knowledge of the purpose of municipal bye-lays.
1.4 Knowledge of organisational policies and procedures.

2.1 Plan and prioritise tasks.
2.2 Prepare work schedules or job cards.
2.3 Determine materials requirements needed for the completion of stated tasks.
2.4 Determine labour and equipment requirements for the completion of stated tasks
2.5 Arrange for the transportation of resources to working location.

3.1 Brief team on tasks to be completed.
3.2 Ensure achievement of required tasks in accordance with work standards.
3.3 Ensure safety requirements are met.
3.4 Identify and solve problems.
3.5 Apply learning skills and knowledge in their personal, workplace and educational lives.

4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the materials used for construction and maintenance of water reticulation systems.
4.2 Demonstrate correct methods of constructing and repairing pipeline systems.
4.3 Demonstrate correct procedures when constructing or maintaining pipeline systems.
4.4 Demonstrate maintenance procedures on pipeline systems.

5.1 Demonstrate knowledge of occupational health & safety.
5.2 Personal health, hygiene and presentation in the working environment are maintained according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
5.3 Apply skills relevant to construction, maintenance and operation of water reticulation systems appropriately.

6.1 Interaction with work colleagues and management
6.2 Use communication skills to interact in a meaningful way with colleagues
6.3 Use the range of generic skills as a foundation for learning.
6.4 Work with others in both learning and work-oriented situations.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment at the level of 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 grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome.

Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to explain the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others may be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed, and the nature and level of the qualification. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the qualification.
While the generic component (literacy, communication and life skills) of this qualification at NQF Level 2 can be assessed through occupational contexts and activities relating to water reticulation, care must be taken in both the learning programme and the assessment to ensure that these foundational skills are truly portable. The primary aim of this qualification is to ensure that learners have a sound base of general education to prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose. Learners must be able to transfer generic skills such as language, computation and learning skills etc across a number of different contexts, and apply them within a number of learning areas.

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. Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies. 

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
The qualification has been benchmarked against the German "Wassermann" qualification and the "Water Serviceman" qualification developed in the United States of America. Although no differences in technical standards are apparent, other than in terms of variations in the technologies employed, the South African qualification reflect similarities in terms of complexity, scope of learning, context, conditions and level and compares favourably with both of these qualifications. No comparison was possible on an individual unit standard basis. The fundamental components, reflecting foundational learning and generic skills and knowledge have been derived from registered, local adult education unit standards. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
This qualification will allow a person to articulate vertically to the National Certificate in Supervision of Water Reticulation Services at NQF level 4. This qualification will also provide articulation with a range of qualifications in both technical and management areas in water and other related sectors. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
1.Anyone assessing a learner against these standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
2.Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or will assess these unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
3.Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the 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 that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of two years practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • Declared competent in all the outcomes of the generic assessor standard, and certificated by the ETDP SETA or by the relevant ETQA.
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (Portfolio of evidence).
  • Able to demonstrate competence in relation to these specified standards and qualifications, at or above, the level of the qualifications in question.
  • Meet any other additional requirements laid down by their constituent ETQA.

    The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
    The status of registered assessors can be checked on the appropriate ETQA database or website. 

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

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12035  Apply personal safety practices on a wastewater treatment works  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12337  Demonstrate knowledge of pipes associated fittings valves and meters used in water reticulation systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  12033  Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14033  Operate mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic tools and equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  12036  Orientate self in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14024  Read and interpret maps and engineering drawings of water reticulation systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14017  Join pipes fittings and other pipeline devices  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  12338  Lay pipes for water reticulation system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  12340  Operate and Maintain Water Reticulation System  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  14019  Plan team work functions and complete reports  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    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 
    Fundamental  8494  Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8967  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14031  Construct water reticulation concrete work and brick masonry  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12133  Operate pumps  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  9965  Render basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14018  Provide water services support for rural communities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  14030  Control canal water supply  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 


    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. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    2. K-BONENG CONSULTING SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    3. MULES CONSULTING 
    4. PIONEER BUSINESS CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    5. UMPHA DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 



    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.