The Ministry of Basic Education attended the third SADC Qualifications Framework (SADCQF) Technical Working Group (TWG) workshop, held from 25 to 27 August 2026 at the Neelkanth Sarovar Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia. Hosted by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) and organised jointly with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, the workshop brought together TWG members, representatives of the Southern African Quality Assurance Network (SAQAN), invited regional experts, representatives from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The DHET opened the workshop on day one and delivered the closing session on day three.

The three-day workshop focused on advancing implementation of the revised SADCQF, following its validation by the Technical Committee of Certification and Accreditation (TCCA) in Johannesburg from 17 to 19 June 2026. Discussions included developments in national qualifications frameworks, micro-credentials, greening education, artificial intelligence, and green skills. Particular attention was given to three regional guidelines under development on Referencing, Micro-credentials and Green Skills, as well as initial discussions on a future SADCQF Quality Assurance Guideline.

The workshop concluded with discussions on green skills data, tools and analytical frameworks, as well as governance, funding, capacity development and national implementation planning. South Africa’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, peer learning and the effective implementation of the SADCQF, ahead of its anticipated approval by the Joint Meeting of ESTI Ministers in 2027.