02/05/2026
We respectfully call on South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to urgently reconsider the phasing out of legacy qualifications.
The current transition to Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualifications is creating significant confusion and operational challenges for accredited training providers. At this stage, QCTO systems, processes, and capacity do not appear fully ready to support the scale and complexity of implementation across the sector.
Many providers are struggling with unclear guidelines, delays in accreditation, and a lack of sufficient support, which ultimately affects learners, employers, and the broader education and training ecosystem.
We therefore request that SAQA:
- Temporarily reinstate or extend legacy qualifications
- Allow a smoother, phased transition
- Ensure QCTO is fully capacitated before full implementation
This will protect learners, sustain training providers, and maintain the integrity of skills development in South Africa.
We remain committed to transformation, but it must be practical, well-managed, and inclusive of all stakeholders.
Did you know that many legacy qualifications are being phased out?
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