Occupational qualifications transition: targeted extensions for legacy enrolments

2. QCTO & SAQA – Occupational Qualifications Transition

Key facts (June 2026 announcement by Minister Buti Manamela):

• 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications already registered on the NQF.
• Of 1 475 pre-2009 qualifications that reached registration end date: 630 received targeted learner-enrolment extensions (6–24 months, some regulatory unit standards up to 36 months); the rest were deregistered (no enrolment or already replaced).
• Extensions are not blanket — assessed case-by-case on sector readiness, learner impact, replacement availability and labour-market need.
• Full lists published in Government Gazette (expected/published around 15–17 June 2026) and on the SAQA website.

Any platform serving SDPs or colleges must map to current occupational qualification IDs, support workplace-evidence capture (for EISA readiness), and handle teach-out periods cleanly.

Qualifications already awarded remain valid. New accreditations will not be granted for expired legacy qualifications — only historically accredited providers may continue under the final extensions.

Official sources & links:

• Minister’s speech & announcement: https://www.gov.za/news/speeches/minister-buti-manamela-developments-regarding-modernising-qualifications-11-jun-2026
• SAnews summary: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-announces-transitional-arrangements-advance-modern-occupational
• Directive PDF example (AgriSETA mirror): https://www.agriseta.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Directive-on-the-implementation-of-transitional-ar_260618_093753.pdf
• SAQA main site for lists: https://www.saqa.org.za/ (check “Pre-2009” / transitional arrangements section)
• MICT SETA specific 6-month extensions list: https://www.mict.org.za/final-six-month-extension-for-selected-expired-mict-seta-qualifications/