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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge of consular services 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259998  Demonstrate knowledge of consular services 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Diplomacy, Protocol and Foreign Affairs Assist 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
114711  Manage and direct consular and agency services  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  15   
114712  Assist SA citizens in criminal justice procedures abroad  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  5   
114847  Provide consular and agency services  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10   
114861  Differentiate between the role and function of the DFA and the Department of Home Affairs  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard has as its core purpose, qualifying learners who will be involved in executing consular services. They will demonstrate an understanding of what consular services entail and participate in consular desk activities. The qualifying learners will be able to assist South African citizens who are detained or imprisoned abroad. Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, the qualifying learner must know the rule of law and human rights relating to consular protection of all people in distress or destitution outside their own country.

People credited with this unit standard are capable of:
  • Describing and explaining the historical development of consular services.
  • Identifying consular statutory sources.
  • Demonstrating understanding of consular theory.
  • Demonstrating understanding of consular practice. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A qualification at NQF Level 5. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The term "consular services" is used in this unit standard as defined in Article 5 of the Vienna Convention on Consular relations 1963. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe and explain the historical development of consular services. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Descriptions are provided of the historical timeframes of human commercial and political development. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Explanations are given for the dynamics that gave rise to the consular role in societies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Examples are given for the origin of consuls and bilateralism in history. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Explanations are given for the evolution of multilateralism. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    From the Congress of Vienna to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Key developments are described for the post-Vienna Convention period. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify consular statutory sources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Consular statutory sources in international law are identified in terms of their impact on consular services. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961; Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963; The Charter of the United Nations; The Hague Conference on Private International Law; Human Rights Law; Basic Maritime Law; Basic Air Travel Law and the Chicago Convention; Multilateral Organisations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consular statutory sources in domestic law are identified in terms of their impact on consular services. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Constitutional Law; National Policy; Immunities and Privileges Act; Notarial Law; Rules of the High and Magistrates' Courts; Reciprocal Maintenance Orders Legislation; Mutual Legal Assistance Legislation; Extradition Legislation; Immigration Law; Citizenship Law; Civic Services Legislation; Administrative Justice Act; Decisions of Court and Precedents; Legal Opinions; Pronouncements of the Executive.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of consular theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    International and domestic laws and policies are identified and described in terms of their impact on individuals within a consular context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The relationship between Citizen and State in International Law; International Human Rights Standards; The South African Bill of Rights; Batho Pele and Ubuntu as domestic policies in South Africa.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Issues of jurisdiction are defined in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Definition of consular jurisdiction; jurisdiction of diplomatic versus consular missions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An outline is provided of key provisions of Article 5 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Obligations of states towards foreigners on its territory; sovereignty; the myth of extraterritorial jurisdiction; specific obligations of states under this article, including consular access to detainees and prisoners, right to legal representation, right to due process, citizens in distress, undesirable aliens and deportation and comity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Descriptions are provided regarding the concept of diplomatic and consular protection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Descriptions are provided regarding provisions for evacuation and the Right of the State. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The mandates of various Departments and other institutions are identified and distinguished from each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Home Affairs; Immigration Branch in the Department of Home Affairs; Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; the National Prosecuting Authority and the Courts.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Explanations are provided of the characteristics of a law enforcement authority, with clarifications on the role of the Police and Interpol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The 'Diplomatic Channel' as preferred mechanism in conveying international legal documents. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate understanding of consular practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The structure and roles of the relevant departments are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Structure of the Department of Foreign Affairs; structure of the Chief Directorate: Consular Services; roles of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Contemporary trends in international crime, travel and international migration are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Immigration and civic affairs functions at missions are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Processes for the verification of citizenship are described, including reference to consular jurisdiction in cases of dual citizenship. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Processes for dealing with citizens in various situations are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dealing with detainees, prisoners and citizens in destitution or distress; conveying bad news; mechanisms for handling deaths and the disposal of mortal remains; registration of South Africans abroad.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Processes for dealing with abduction, kidnapping, hostage situations and child stealing are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    To include identifying criteria for processing requests for the whereabouts and for locating missing persons; dealing with traumatised parents; liaison with the Office of the Family Advocate; liaison with the South African Police Service; liaison with foreign police forces; liaison with the Department of Social Development; liaison with International Social Services (ISS).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Maritime and aviation obligations in consular practice are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Processes for the legalisation of public documents, legal request and process administration are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Matters relating to honorary consuls are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Duties of an honorary consul; immunities and privileges; selection; appointment; activation and training; lines of reporting and communication; disciplinary matters; termination of appointment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Methods for dealing with a variety of human factors are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Handling mental fatigue and stress; adjusting for cultural, religious and political differences.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge of the Consular Management System (CMS). 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in the provision of consular services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others and in teams to deal with citizens and foreign nationals in a variety of situations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information for the purpose of providing consular services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces the following unit standards:
  • ID 114711: Manage and direct consular and agency services, Level 7, 15 credits.
  • ID 114712: Assist SA citizens in criminal justice procedures abroad, Level 7, 5 credits.
  • ID 114847: Provide consular and agency services, Level 6, 10 credits.
  • ID 114861: Differentiate between the role and function of the DFA and the Department of Home Affairs, Level 6, 3 credits. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64330   National Certificate: Mission Corporate Services Management  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  PSETA 
    Core  64329   National Diploma: Diplomacy  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.