The National School of Government (NSG) has launched two new occupational qualifications designed to strengthen the skills of South Africa’s public servants and create clearer career-development pathways within government.
The new programmers are the Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator at NQF Level 5 and the Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service at NQF Level 6.
According to the NSG, both qualifications are intended to combine formal knowledge with practical workplace experience, equipping officials with competencies needed to perform more effectively in government.
Qualifications Target Different Levels of the Public Service
The two programmers have been structured to address different stages of public-sector career development.
The Level 5 qualification focuses on administrative capabilities, while the Level 6 programme is aimed at officials preparing for junior and middle-management responsibilities.
Both qualifications have been accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), with the Public Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) acting as the Quality Partner.
Level 5 Programmer Focuses on Administrative Skills
The Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator carries 120 credits and is designed to be completed over 12 months.
Applicants must have an NQF Level 4 qualification to enter the programme.
Delivered through a blended learning model that includes block-release sessions, the course covers a range of areas relevant to public administration. These include government systems, human-resource administration, programme and project management, communication, public-sector administration, ethics and integrity, financial and supply-chain administration, and the effective use of technology.
The NSG says the combination of theoretical knowledge, practical learning and workplace experience is intended to strengthen administrative capacity and improve coordination, communication and service delivery.
Management Qualification Targets Emerging Government Leaders
The Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service is pitched at NQF Level 6 and carries 150 credits.
The 12-month programme requires an NQF Level 5 entry qualification and, like the Level 5 course, uses a blended learning approach with block-release sessions.
The qualification is designed for officials taking on junior and middle-management responsibilities, with an emphasis on leadership, management, strategy and analytical skills.
Programme Prepares Officials for Greater Responsibility
The NSG says the management qualification will help officials improve operational management, coordination and their ability to implement government policies.
Training covers functions such as finance, human resources, information, communication and technology at unit level.
The programme is particularly suited to supervisors and administrative officials who are moving into management positions and need to develop the skills required to oversee teams and government functions effectively.
NSG Links Qualifications to Public-Service Professionalisation
Acting NSG Principal Phindile Mkwanazi said the introduction of the qualifications represents an important step towards building stronger capabilities across the public sector.
She said the programmes would contribute to the professionalisation of government by strengthening both administrative and management skills while giving public servants a clearer route for career development.
The NSG views the two qualifications as part of a broader effort to ensure that officials have structured opportunities to develop the competencies needed to support effective government administration and service delivery.
Enrolment and Enquiries Open to Public Servants
Public servants interested in the new qualifications can obtain further information or enquire about enrolment through the National School of Government.
Enquiries can be sent to Contactcentre@thensg.gov.za or made by calling 086 100 8326.
