SAQAs NQF Research Conference

3-4 June 2010, Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre

"Communication, coordination, collaboration for quality in education, training, development and work."

How does the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) facilitate access to education and training in South Africa? How does it enhance quality and progression in education and training? These are some of the topics that will be discussed at a 2-day NQF Research Conference hosted by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) from 3 to 4 June 2010 at Kopanong Conference Centre in Benoni.

The aim of this conference is to bring together researchers working within and between components of the South African education and training system, to highlight opportunities for synergy regarding research, as well as gaps.

SAQA has invited organisations that conduct research relating to various aspects of the NQF, including integration of education and training; access to and mobility within education, training and career paths – including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); enhancing quality in the system; analyses of trends; monitoring and evaluation; international NQF work, and other projects perhaps not falling into these categories to come and share their findings.

These organisations include the Department of Higher Education and Training, Department of Basic Education, Council on Higher Education, Umalusi, Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, SETAs, research councils and public universities.

Mr John Pampallis, the advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Training will address the conference delegates on 03 June on behalf of the Minister.

The outputs of the two-day conference will be presentations by some 40 presenters; a 160-page book entitled Towards a map of NQF-related research; and a CD containing the book, and all the presentations. Both conference sessions and the book have been organised around the following themes:

interpreting and implementing the NQF
facilitating access to education and training in South Africa
enhancing quality, articulation, and progression in education and training.
work and learning
understanding patterns, trends, and needs in an integrated education and training system in South Africa
understanding the impact of the NQF; addressing employability.

The media are welcome to attend and report on this event, the nature of which has not often been seen before, the world over.

Media Opportunity:

Please RSVP and indicate if you would like to interview personnel from SAQA.

Issued by:

Yuven Gounden
SAQA
0124315107
0842058776
ygounden@saqa.co.za

Contact:
Dr Heidi Bolton
SAQA
012 431 5017
0848695678
hbolton@saqa.co.za