Call for NQF Awards
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The submission deadline is 15 September 2025
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is proud to announce the inaugural NQF Awards, aimed at recognising individuals, institutions, and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement, implementation, and impact of the NQF
The NQF Awards recognize exceptional organisations, institutions and individuals who have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of access, equity, quality, articulation and transparency in education and training, thereby advancing the objectives of the NQF.
The awards form part of the official programme of the SAQA 30 Year Celebration Conference, taking place from 6-9 October 2025 under the theme: The Establishment, Evolution and Future of the NQF.
Nominations are invited from institutions, organizations, policy makers, individuals who have demonstrated commitment to advancing the objectives of the NQF both nationally and globally. The NQF awards and SAQA are committed to equal opportunity and fairness without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, institutional affiliation etc. All award nominees/winners are expected to meet the professionally held standards of ethics and integrity.
ELIGIBILITY Criteria
- One nomination per category, per person
- Self-nominations will be not be accepted
- Motivation in each category are limited to no more than 700 words
- Nominations must be endorsed by the organisation or institution
1. Peliwe Lolwana Social Justice Award
Focus: Recognising practical interventions that have advanced social justice by addressing inequalities in the education and training system.
Eligible Nominees: Individuals, institutions, organisations, or initiatives with proven on-the-ground impact.
| Criterion | Description |
| Social Justice Orientation | Addresses inequality through systemic or community-based education interventions |
| Measurable Impact | Documented outcomes such as publications, increased enrolment, completions, employment or certification or other relevant outcomes |
| Innovation and Replicability | Novel or contextually adapted approaches that can be scaled |
| Sustainability & Policy Influence | Evidence of long-term viability or influence on policy reforms |
| Evidence & Documentation Quality | Quality and clarity of supporting documentation and data |
2. NQF Champion Award
Focus: Honouring those who have actively built inclusive and sustainable NQF-related communities of practice, articulation hubs, or stakeholder networks or implemented innovative and impactful NQF-related practices that have promoted articulation, progression, and transparency across the learning and work continuum.
Eligible Nominees: Institutions or individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to long-term NQF collaboration.
| Criterion | Description |
| Leadership in NQF Community Building | Initiated or sustained networks/platforms that promote NQF goals |
| Inclusivity & Stakeholder Engagement | Engaged diverse stakeholders across sectors |
| Continuity and Engagement | Sustained activity beyond single events or one-time projects |
| Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building | Shared practices, developed materials, supported peer learning |
| Tangible Outcomes | Clear improvements in articulation, partnerships, policy, or learner pathways |
| Evidence & Documentation Quality | Quality and clarity of supporting documentation and data |
Who can be nominated?
- Public and Private Higher Education Institutions (RPL offices / articulation hubs, etc.)
- TVET and GENFET Colleges
- CET Colleges
- Skills Development Providers
- Statutory and Non-statutory Professional Bodies
- Individuals operating in NQF-aligned contexts
- Community-based initiatives and social enterprises with a demonstrable link
How to Nominate:
- Complete the nomination form and submit to smgquba@saqa.org.za
- Attached CV or nominated candidates and any other supporting documentation to support the nomination
The submission deadline is 15 September 2025
NB: The award will be conferred on the 8th October 2025 at the Gala Dinner. Nominees are asked to ensure they attend the conference and dinner.
For more information please contact Nothando Ntshayintshayi at nntshayintshayi@saqa.org.za or smgquba@saqa.org.za