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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Maintain metallic telecommunication cables 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246657  Maintain metallic telecommunication cables 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Telecommunications 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner within the Telecommunications environment; more specifically within the cable environment by providing the skills to perform maintenance of metallic communication cables within this field. This skill forms the basis for the performance of duties in the day to day operations of cable jointing occupations at NQF Levels 4 and 5.

The knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated in this unit standard are essential for upliftment, social and economic transformation in the Telecommunications environment.

The qualifying learner is capable of demonstrating the:
  • Prepare for the maintenance of metallic transmission mediums.
  • Maintain metallic transmission mediums.
  • Repair metallic transmission mediums.
  • Conclude the maintenance of transmission mediums.

    The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes which provide qualifying learners with access to a range of further learning in this field at NQF Level 4 and above, in the form of workplace based learning programmes for occupationally focused qualifications. Qualifying learners also have an understanding of the science and technology which underpins these activities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learning assumed to be in place should be on the same level of this unit standard or higher:
  • Communication and Language Studies.
  • Mathematics and Numeracy, Sciences.
  • Principles of electronics and electricity.
  • Recognition and use of general hand and power tools.
  • Operation of test equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • Preventative and corrective maintenance.
  • Shielded and unshielded twisted pair cables.
  • Single and multiple pair cables.
  • Air core and jelly/foam filled.
  • Various conductor diameters and insulation types.
  • Contained cables and open wires.
  • Underground and overhead cables.
  • Pressurised/non-pressurised cables.
  • Light duty coaxial cables.

    The context of this unit standard is performed within structures where stationery, transportation, support structure, communication media, company policies and procedures, cultural ethics, business ethics, work environment, professional conduct, test instrumentation, tools, human resources, customer, engineering material, equipment, quality standards are applicable. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for the maintenance of metallic telecommunication cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work order and jointing documentation is obtained in accordance with employer's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work order is interpreted correctly and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All role players are consulted and all logistic arrangements are made. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant material, equipment and tools are identified and obtained in accordance with work order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Health and safety requirements are considered in accordance with statutory requirements and employer's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Site inspection is carried out according site specific safety standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work is co-ordinated effectively with the customer in order to ensure accurate and professional service delivery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Tools and material are located to ensure ready access during installation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Maintain metallic transmission mediums. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work site is made safe in accordance with relevant safety legislation and company work practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work site and/or lines are decommissioned and isolated prior to commencement of maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Transmission medium is cleaned/cleared appropriately prior to commencement of maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The alignment procedures to achieve specifications are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment is aligned/adjusted according to manufacturer/employer's specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Health and safety requirements are applied in accordance with statutory requirements and employer's policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Repair metallic telecommunication cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Other services, including power and gas, are identified and work planned to avoid damage or safety risk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cable maintenance area are cleaned according to specifications and company policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cable pairs are identified and ends are routed into jointing position according to work order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Jointing block is installed according to work order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Tails are secured into position according to policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Different types of jointing blocks are identified, described and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Type of cable and sequencing is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Health and safety requirements are applied in accordance with statutory requirements and employer's policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conclude the maintenance of metallic telecommunication cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant cable tests are performed to ensure joint complies with site specific, manufacturers and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The site is restored to an acceptable condition according to policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All tools and equipment are cleaned, adjusted and stored in an accessible location. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cable joint conform to manufacturer requirements and relevant industry standard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Site is reinstated in accordance with company requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Only ETQA registered assessors with specific expertise in cable jointing may assess a learner against this unit standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant SETA/ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Location of typical faults.
  • Tools and equipment related to the maintenance of metallic telecommunication mediums.
  • Maintenance procedures.
  • Visual indications for faults (smell, sound, hear, feel).
  • Incorrect handling of faults conditions.
  • Implications of poorly aligned and malfunctioning test equipment and transmission medium.
  • Problem solving and analytical thinking techniques.
  • Alignment of test equipment.
  • Maintenance techniques.
  • Fault finding techniques.
  • Health and safety.
  • Company polices and procedures.
  • Types of faults.
  • Adjustment procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the achievement of the maintenance of telecommunication cables. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with stakeholders to ensure that the maintenance done is operating correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in the maintenance of telecommunication cables. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners are able to communicate effectively with others to ensure that the maintenance is done correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in that the maintenance of telecommunication cables does not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any program of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more.
  • Effectively participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities learners with applied competence and a basis for further learning.
  • The learner contribute to his/her own development. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Comment on this unit standard should reach SAQA no later than 26 October 2007.
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the learner:
  • Has basic knowledge of some main areas of a discipline/field.
  • Has basic understanding of a discipline/field's key term, rules, concepts, principles and theories.
  • Is familiar with some of the essential methods, procedures and techniques of the discipline/field.
  • Has the ability to use the above to solve routine problems within given frameworks.
  • Has a basic information gathering, analysis and presentation skill.
  • Has the ability to communicate information reliably and accurately in the required medium of instruction.
  • Has the capacity to operate within clearly defined contexts, with limited scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.
  • Learn within a well-structured and managed environment.
  • Evaluate own performance against given criteria.

    Legal Requirements:

    Compliance to the following legal requirements and standards are mandatory:
  • Employer's Policies and Procedures.
  • Environmental Management System.
  • Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • National and International Standards.
  • Local Metropolitan Council Regulations.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Ensure that the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgments should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the Assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means Assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.
  • Requirements for a portfolio are that it should be valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience, which serves to supplement the assessment of applied competence.

    The portfolio may include:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Journals/logbook. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59057   Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    2. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    3. Mpande Technologies cc 
    4. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    5. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    6. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    7. Progressive School of Business 
    8. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    9. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    10. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    11. TELKOM SA SOC LIMITED 
    12. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    13. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    14. Victor Optic Fibre Solutions 
    15. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 


    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.