DHET Announces Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 and NATED Qualifications

On 11 June 2026, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela briefed the media on transitional arrangements for pre-2009 qualifications, including NATED Report 190-1 (N4–N6) programmes, as part of the broader modernisation of South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework.

The Minister was clear that this transition does not invalidate qualifications already awarded — every qualification issued to date remains valid and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database. Students currently enrolled in NATED N4 to N6 programmes should continue their studies as planned; 630 pre-2009 qualifications were approved for learner enrolment extensions of six to twenty-four months, and regulatory unit standards received extensions of up to three years where needed.

The qualifications approved for extension, along with their replacement occupational qualifications, were published in the Government Gazette on 15 June 2026 and on the SAQA website. The Department, together with SETAs, also confirmed it facilitates around 21,000 TVET student workplace placements annually as part of Work Integrated Learning requirements.

What this means for students: if you are enrolled in a NATED N4–N6 or other pre-2009 qualification, your studies and existing qualification remain valid. Check the SAQA website for the specific extension period applicable to your qualification, and rely only on DHET, SAQA or QCTO communications — not unofficial sources — for clarification.

Official Source

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