JOHANNESBURG - For years, thousands of South Africans completed their courses, earned qualifications and used them to enter the job market.
But many of these qualifications have not kept pace with the changing demands of the workplace.
According to StatsSA the country’s unemployment rate stood at 32,7% in the first quarter of 2026.
This burden was according to the stats, was carried by the youth, aged 15-24, facing the highest unemployment rate at 60,9%, followed by those aged 25-34 at 40,6%.
READ | Six straight quarters of growth, no jobs to show for it
Now there is a shift in the country’s education system.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced the transitional agreements for older qualifications, commonly known as Pre-2009 Qualifications to occupational qualifications
This is a step which he said represents one of the most significant reforms in South Africa's post-school education and training landscape.
Why the change
According to Manamela is to better reflect workplace requirements, technological advancement and the evolving needs of our economy.
The reform comes after a directive published in June 2024.
To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework, Manamela added
READ | Unemployment, migration concerns drive March and March protest
He said when the Directive was issued, at least 1 475 pre-2009 qualifications had reached their registration end date.
Of those, 630 qualifications were approved for learner enrolment extension, while the remainder were deregistered owing to the absence of learner enrolment.
What happens to existing qualifications
The transition does not mean older qualifications are being scrapped.
This was made crystal clear by Manamela who said the goal is not to invalidate qualifications that many people have worked hard to achieve, nor does it diminish the value of learning that has already taken place.
Importantly, qualifications that have already been awarded remain valid, recognised and recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD)
“The legacy qualifications, as they are called, have contributed meaningfully to workforce development and economic participation over many years.
“However, these qualifications have favoured the classroom over the workshop," he said.
The minister said what government is trying to introduce are qualifications that guarantee practical experience and workplace placement.
“It is about modernising the system to make the Skills Revolution a reality,” Manamela added.
In the same breath the students enrolled in National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) can also let out a sigh of relief.
These vocational qualifications offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offer a blend of theoretical and practical training.
READ | Degrees, hustles and no security: The reality of youth unemployment
Manamela encouraged those enrolled in N4 to N6 programmes to continue with their studies as planned, as their qualifications will not lose recognition.
Timeframe on extensions
To ensure a smooth transition that is well managed, government has adopted a differentiated approach.
According to Manamela, instead of falling back on a blanket approach, each qualification will be assessed on its own merit.
He said some qualifications will relieve extensions to allow for completion, while those that are no longer relevant will be phased out.
Some extensions will vary between six moths to 24 months.
According to the Manamela qualifications, those approved for extension will be included in the Government Gazette to be published on Monday, 15 June 2026
Additionally, the complete list of affected qualifications and their replacement occupational qualifications will also be published on the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) website.