Annual Report
Shaping Excellence
2025/26
South African Qualifications Authority: The establishment, evolution and future of the NQF.
A Year of Strategic Progress
The 2025/26 financial year marked a significant milestone for SAQA as we continued to strengthen the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) while adapting to the evolving education landscape. Our unqualified audit opinion reflects our commitment to governance excellence.
Under the leadership of CEO Nadia Starr and Chairperson Dr. James Keevy, we achieved substantial progress in policy reviews, international alignment, and digital transformation of the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD).
“We have ensured that the NQF remains dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of lifelong learning, while maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance.”
Key Achievements
Measurable progress towards our strategic objectives in quality assurance and qualifications framework development.
Highlights
Successfully revised four critical NQF policies to enhance framework responsiveness:
- Foreign Qualifications Evaluation Policy
- Qualifications Registration Criteria
- Professional Body Recognition
- Credit Accumulation & Transfer
Learner achievements recorded on the National Learners' Records Database as of April 2024, progressing toward our 24 million target.
96% of 5-year target achieved
Advancing alignment with continental and international frameworks:
Developed and approved the SAQA Professional Body Model following comprehensive research on statutory and non-statutory professional bodies.
Identified qualifications registered after January 2014 lacking articulation pathways and engaged Quality Councils for remediation.
Hosted SAQA–Quality Councils engagement sessions to monitor implementation of reviewed NQF policies.
CHE • Umalusi • QCTO • + Partners
Financial Overview
SAQA maintained a strong financial position with total revenue of R147.2 million and a surplus of R12.0 million. Our accumulated surplus reached R152.7 million, ensuring sustainable operations.
Revenue Composition
Expenditure Analysis
National Qualifications Framework
Ten levels of learning achievement ensuring quality and progression pathways for all South African qualifications.
Quality Assurance
Rigorous standards ensuring qualification credibility
Articulation
Clear pathways between qualifications and institutions
Lifelong Learning
Supporting continuous professional development
Board & Leadership
SAQA is governed by a Board comprising non-executive directors appointed by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The Board provides strategic oversight and ensures compliance with the NQF Act and PFMA.
Subsequent Event
In March 2024, SAQA concluded a sale agreement for the Hatfield property (SAQA House) at R30 million to Solar Spectrum Trading 332 (Pty) Ltd, with registration envisaged in the 2024/25 financial year.