SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Sugar Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48395  National Certificate: Sugar Technology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
AgriSETA - Agriculture SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  138  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This Qualification is aimed at level 5 on the National Qualification Framework. It provides learners with the opportunity to obtain competence in advanced sugar processing practices and technology. It also provides the learner with the opportunity to gain competence in selected specialised fields i.e. sugar refining or laboratory practice.

The fundamental learning, which learners will acquire, will allow them to contribute to the management of HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The core learning will enable the learner to optimise unit operations in a sugar processing factory. This Qualification complies with the objectives of the NQF with regard to facilitating access to, mobility and progression within the sugar processing industry.

The Qualification focuses on the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required to progress in industry. The intention is to release the potential of people, in order for them to grow, develop and become more competent workers in industry and the sugar processing industry in particular. This Qualification will furthermore add value to the individuals, their workplace and the economy as a whole.

Rationale for the Qualification

This Qualification is aimed at newly qualified graduate and diplomate engineers who would like to start a career in the sugar industry. It is aimed at providing the necessary postgraduate learning required for achieving professional engineer level within the sugar industry. The Qualification provides learners with access to advanced learning in specialised areas within the sugar processing industry. It also provides learners with the necessary background knowledge and skills to be portable within other Industries.

Through the above the Qualification will address one of the key priorities of the Department of Labour in the reduction of unemployment and under employment. It will assist in creating job opportunities and to create a better nation at large. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners are assumed to have:
  • Attained a technical Qualification at NQF level 4 on the National Qualification Framework
    OR
  • Demonstrated competence at NQF level 4 through recognition of prior learning at.

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

    This Qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Where RPL is required the learner will need to prove competence in that specific area in order to obtain recognition of that skill and knowledge.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local Qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. The assessment methods and tools to be used to assess Prior Learning shall be decided upon jointly by the assessor and the learner. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain the Process Flow of a Sugar Cane Processing Factory and Discuss Typical Pol, Brix and Purity Values for the Various Process Streams.

    2. Optimise Cane Yard Operations.

    3. Optimise Extraction Operations.

    4. Optimise Juice Clarification Operations.

    5. Optimise Juice Evaporation Operations.

    6. Optimise Pan Boiling Operations.

    7. Optimise Centrifugation Operations.

    8. Interpret Factory Performance Figures to Optimise Operations.

    9. Optimise Sugar Refinery Operations.

    10. Optimise Laboratory Activities.

    11. Assess and Control Pollution.

    12. Plan and Conduct a Research Project

    13. Identify, Organise and Co-Ordinate Project Life Cycle Phases for Control Purposes.

    14. Prepare and Maintain Financial Records and Statements related to the sugar manufacturing process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • The various unit operations used in a sugar factory are explained and their interrelationships identified
  • The terms Pol, Brix and Purity are explained and related to the co-ordination of sugar process activities.

    2.
  • An understanding of vehicle scheduling practices is demonstrated through the application of delivery models
  • Cane yard operations are monitored and assessed
  • Cane yard operations are controlled and co-ordinated to ensure required cane supply to the mill whilst minimising cane delay.

    3.
  • An understanding of extraction operations is demonstrated through the application of mass and energy balances and extraction models
  • Extraction operations are monitored and assessed
  • Extraction operations are controlled and co-ordinated to maximise sugar recovery.

    4.
  • An understanding of Juice Clarification operations is demonstrated through the application of mass and energy balances and clarification models
  • Juice clarification operations are monitored and assessed
  • Juice clarification operations are controlled and co-ordinated to minimise turbidity and sucrose losses.

    5.
  • An understanding of juice evaporation operations is demonstrated through the application of mass and energy balances and evaporation models
  • Juice evaporation operations are monitored and assessed
  • Juice evaporation operations are controlled and co-ordinated to satisfy factory requirements.

    6.
  • An understanding of Pan Boiling operations is demonstrated through the application of mass and energy balances and crystallisation models
  • Pan Boiling operations are monitored and assessed
  • Pan Boiling operations are controlled and co-ordinated to produce sugar of consistent quality within specification and to minimise sugar losses in molasses.

    7.
  • An understanding of Centrifugation operations is demonstrated through the application of mass balances and separation models
  • Centrifugation operations are monitored and assessed
  • Centrifugation operations are controlled and co-ordinated to achieve the required sugar and molasses quality.

    8.
  • An understanding of the application of mass and energy balances to sugar factory operations
  • An understanding of the derivations/calculation of factory performance figures
  • Factory performance figures are monitored, assessed and used to optimise factory operations through liaison with relevant parties.

    9.
  • An understanding of sugar refinery operations is demonstrated through the application of mass and energy balances and relevant process models
  • Sugar refinery operations are monitored and assessed
  • Sugar refinery operations are controlled and co-ordinated to achieve the required sugar quality.

    10.
  • An understanding of the various analytical methods
  • Laboratory activities are monitored and assessed
  • Laboratory activities are integrated with process requirements through liaison with relevant parties.

    11.
  • Type and degree of pollution is identified
  • When necessary, appropriate environmental pollution experts are consulted and communities informed
  • Basic corrective measures are undertaken to resolve minor pollution incidents
  • Follow-up assessment and monitoring is undertaken.

    12.
  • A research project is planned and a proposal produced
  • Data is collected and analysed
  • A written report of the research is produced.

    13.
  • The major phases of a project are recognized and described
  • Sub-processes are selected to meet project objectives
  • A schedule is compiled which assigns the responsible person(s) to the individual project activities
  • Processes are documented and communicated.

    14.
  • The flow of data from source documents to statements is described and explained
  • Financial entries are described and explained
  • Financial reports are compiled and distributed to the appropriate people
  • Financial statements are interpreted and used as a tool to monitor business performance.

    The Unit Standards within the Qualifications are structured to contain specific and critical cross-field outcomes with assessment criteria. Within each Unit Standard, the assessment criteria, accreditation and moderation options guide the assessors to develop assessment tools and methods. The specific, critical cross-field outcomes and assessment criteria guide the providers in developing the learning material.

    The Unit Standards within the Qualification serve as exit points for the Qualification and these Unit Standards represent meaningful recognizable outcomes within secondary agriculture.

    Integrated Assessment Criteria:

    Unit Standards associated with this Qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. Assessment should focus in an integrated way on determining the competence of the learner in terms of the overall purpose and title of this Qualification.

    The term integrated assessment also implies that the theoretical and practical components should be assessed together and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessment activities should be done in real workplace situations and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show that the learner is able to display the competencies to the real work situation.

    All assessments should be conducted in line with the following documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work of learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Learners wishing to be assessed will need to provide evidence of the following:
  • Verbal and written explanations of reasons for adhering to operational and work site procedures as well as statutory requirements, adhering to specific sequence of operations, identifying deviations, taking corrective actions and recording relevant data, and reporting deviations outside the jobholder`s responsibility.
  • Documentation and explanation of administrative records completed during the process of sugar processing optimisation.
  • Demonstrations of a range of actions in co-ordinating and integrating the various factory unit operations to optimize performance. Learners will also demonstrate an understanding of the various options available to maintain adequate production during periods of major operational problems/malfunctions.
  • A portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner, which may include production and quality data.

    Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
    Unit Standards in the Qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should assess combinations of practical/applied, foundational (theory) and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparisons were done against the Sugar Milling Unit Standards registered with the Australian National Training Authority. However, this Qualification does not have an Australian or other foreign counterpart/equivalent. This Qualification is specifically intended to fulfill a particular need within the South African Sugar industry. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation includes internal and external moderation of assessments. Internal and external moderation systems must ensure that all assessors produce assessments that are credible, fair, reliable, consistent, adequate and practical.

    Internal and external moderation systems must provide learning opportunities that are transparent, affordable and enhancing development in the field and sub-field of the National Qualifications Framework.

    The accredited provider with the relevant ETQA must be able to provide internal moderation.

    External moderation will be done by SETASA in its ETQA capacity at its discretion. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors need experience in the following areas:

    Interpersonal skills, subject matter and assessment.

    The assessor needs to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and design and develop assessments as described in the relevant Unit Standards. The subject matter experience must be well developed within the field of sugar process optimisation.

    The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.

    Assessors need to be registered with the Education and Training Quality Assurance Body within SETASA. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114302  Apply the terms Pol, Brix and Purity  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Core  114320  Explain the sugar cane processing value chain  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Core  114326  Manage factory performance figures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Core  114304  Optimise cane yard operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  114314  Optimise centrifugation operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Core  114286  Optimise juice clarification  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Core  114289  Optimise juice evaporation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Core  114293  Optimise pan boiling  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Core  114323  Optimise sugar extraction operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Fundamental  10981  Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Fundamental  12376  Assess and control pollution  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Fundamental  9224  Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  8663  Plan and conduct a research project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  10131  Identify, organise and co-ordinate project life cycle phases for control purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  7851  Maintain food production quality control systems, procedures and specifications  Level 5  NQF Level 05  6 
    Elective  114301  Optimise laboratory activities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Elective  114331  Optimise refinery operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Elective  7878  Prepare and Maintain Financial Records and Statements  Level 5  NQF Level 05  12 
    Elective  12139  Facilitate the resolution of employee grievances  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  5 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Adegi 
    2. RCL Foods-Sugar & Milling (MP) 
    3. Shukela Training Centre 
    4. Springbase Pty Ltd 
    5. Univen Continuing Education Pty Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.