In a decisive move to address concerns around operational inefficiencies and a lack of specialised capacity within the public service, the National School of Government (NSG) has officially launched two groundbreaking occupational qualifications aimed at professionalising the civil service from the ground up.
The qualifications, comprising the Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator (NQF Level 5) and the Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service (NQF Level 6), are aimed at bridging the skills gap, improving service delivery, and shaping the future of public administration.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, the school’s Acting Principal, Phindile Mkwanazi, emphasised that the two new occupational qualifications are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), with the Public Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) serving as the quality partner.
“We are excited about this development and the offerings as the NSG. The qualifications contribute to professionalising the public service by strengthening the capabilities required at both administrative and management levels. They also provide a clear developmental pathway for public servants,” said Mkwanazi.
According to the NSG, the Occupational Certificate: Public Service Administrator is designed to develop public servants who can provide effective administrative support aligned with government policies and service-delivery objectives.
“The qualification is designed for completion over twelve months and requires an NQF Level 4 entry qualification. Delivered through a blended model with block-release sessions, the programme focuses on government systems, human resource administration, programme and project management, public service communication and administration, ethics and integrity, financial and supply chain administration, and the effective use of technology,” Mkwanazi added.
Mkwanazi also stated that the qualification would include general workers and anyone already employed in the public service.
“We are actually targeting those [employees] so that they can improve their skills as well and prepare themselves for better opportunities that could open up for them,” she said.
The qualification combines theoretical knowledge with practical and workplace experience, providing an important foundation for strengthening administrative capacity, improving coordination and communication, and supporting more effective service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service, at NQF Level 6, is aimed at developing South Africa’s next generation of public service managers.
