Higher Certificate in Public Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with effective and efficient administration skills relevant to the Public Sector. The qualification recognises the generic skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and values expected of a competent person in a wide range of contexts in the administration role of the public sector.

On completion of this qualification the qualifying learner will be able to

• Provide an effective administration service at practitioner level in the public sector at national, provincial or local government level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks applicable to own work environment.
• Deliver and make informed judgements about the quality of the administration service, offered to clients.
• Use and maintain computers and workplace equipment relevant to own public administration role in own operating context.
• Maintain health, safety and security of the work community and environment.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Public Administration is designed to provide learners with a blend of administration skills relevant to the context of the public sector with the aim of rapidly building the skills base within the public sector. It ties in with the overall objectives of the public sector to ensure learners are skilled in line with the strategic need of the identified competences.

The qualification reflects the skills and competencies required of people employed, or seeking employment in the Public Sector, in a role of providing administrative services. The importance of the ethical base of service delivery is reflected in this qualification. Additionally this qualification contributes to the development of information technology, communications, writing, and service delivery competencies. It provides for learners who have no formal education with an opportunity through formal assessment to:

• Have their prior learning formally recognised.
• Identify gaps in their skills and knowledge.
• Structure learning programmes to close those gaps.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows candidates access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (work experience). RPL applications are received by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) candidates applying for recognition of prior learning will be required to provide evidence of competence by means of portfolios or by completing assessments as per targeted Exit Level Outcomes.

The portfolio of evidence will be sent to the relevant Academic Department for assessment. The department's RPL committee will assess the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant Exit Level Outcomes.

Assessments in the form of written examinations may be conducted. The candidates will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable Exit Level Outcome.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• DUT Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Public Service Delivery, 16 Credits
• Public Finance Management, 16 Credits.
• Corporate Communication, 16 Credits.
• Public Management and Administration, 16 Credits.
• Public Sector People Management, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Motivation, 16 Credits.
• Coaching and Mentoring, 16 Credits.
• Self/Personal Mastery, 16 Credits.
• Conflict Management, 16 Credits.
• Change and Diversity, 16 Credits.
• Innovation and Creative Thinking, 16 Credits.

1. Provide an effective administration service at a practitioner level of the public sector at national, provincial or local government level.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks applicable to own work environment.
3. Deliver and make informed judgements about the quality of the administration service, offered to clients.
4. The ability to use and maintain computers and workplace equipment.
5. Maintain health, safety and security of the work community and environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Administrative tasks are performed at a service level determined by the particular government service sector office or by an equivalent performance agreement.
• Through effective interaction and provision of service according to realistic expectations of qualitative and quantitative outputs of administration service functions are ensured to meet the satisfaction of clients.
• Administrative policies and procedures are understood and applied to ensure the provision of effective and efficient administrative service.
• The main roles and responsibilities of each level of government in South Africa are explained in terms of how the roles and responsibilities contribute to the objectives of the public sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Batho Pele principles are applied when interacting with colleagues, supervisors, internal clients and customers.
• The public service ethics and their implications are explained with examples.
• The statutory regulations governing the department, section and division are explained with examples and applied to the work procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Customer and client feedback is obtained and used to make decisions on improving customer service.
• Error rates in processing roles are measured to assess the attainment of benchmarks and set performance development objectives.
• Repetitive work and complaints are used to review performance in administration roles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Computer and software is used efficiently according to organisational and functional standards and the electronic information as well as a records system is managed.
• Computer and workplace peripherals are used in accordance with the procedures and conditions of the equipment manual and in compliance with the organisation's usage and safety procedures and requirements are maintained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Security, safety and health of people in the workplace are understood in accordance with the organisational security procedures.
• People in the workplace community are supported in a manner that recognises their dignity and upholds their sense of well-being at work.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment includes both formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment is continuous and focuses on ensuring adequate levels of competencies in critical knowledge, behaviours and skills. The assessment of competencies allows for an integrated approach not only to learning but also to assessment.

Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, assessment of competence.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the Exit Level Outcomes as stated in the qualification has been achieved.