The role of SAQA, as stipulated in the NQF Act, is to advance the objectives of the NQF, oversee the further development and implementation of the NQF, and co-ordinate the Sub-Frameworks. SAQA’s functions are set out in section 13 of the NQF Act, which, in summary, mandates SAQA to:
- Oversee NQF implementation and collaborate with the Quality Councils
- Develop and implement NQF policies and criteria
- Register qualifications and part-qualifications on the NQF
- Recognise professional bodies and register professional designations
- Undertake research and collaborate with international counterparts
- Maintain the National Learners’ Records Database
- Provide an evaluation and advisory service with respect to foreign qualifications
- Inform the public about the NQF
- Provide advice to the Minister of Higher Education and Training