Meeting of the SADC Technical Committee on Certification and Accreditation

The meeting for SADC Technical Committee on Certification and Accreditation (TCCA) was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from April 19-20th, 2017. The meeting was preceded by the launch of the SADC Qualifications Verification Network (SADCQVN) on the 18 April 2017.

The meeting established the SADC Qualifications Verification Network (SADCQVN), considered and endorsed its terms of reference. The objective of the meeting was also to review progress towards implementation of the SADC Qualifications Framework based on the Action Plan developed at the last TCCA meeting held in September 2016.  Amongst the agenda items, the meeting also addressed progress on the ratification of the “Revised Arusha Convention on the recognition of studies, certificates, diplomas, degrees and other academic qualifications in higher education in African States” known as Addis Convention. The meeting also considered structures needed to ensure proper functioning and progress achieved towards implementation of SADCQF.

In his Presentation, the Chairperson of TCCA, Mr. Joe Samuels outlined the programme of work on issues to be discussed and gave an overview of the 2016 TCCA meeting in terms of achievements and plans for the future. The meeting received a number of presentations particularly on; the establishment of a regional quality assurance systems focusing on higher and tertiary education; Harmonisation of African Quality Assurance and Accreditation (HAQAA) project; and the Proposed SADC Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (SADC-CATS).

Furthermore, the meeting noted that key milestones were realized such as the development of the communication strategy, establishment of the social media platforms (setting up of Twitter and Facebook accounts), and development of marketing material on the SADCQF. The meeting noted that the Secretariat needed support the in the implementation of the SADCQF and urged Member States to expedite implementation of SADCQF.

The meeting further agreed that all Member States should submit statistics on qualification verification for a report to be compiled for presentation to the Ministerial meeting in June 2017.

The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officers and Directors of national institutions responsible for Certification and Accreditation of education and skills training, from SADC Member States.

The summary of the deliberations is attached.