In February 2016, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, appointed Prof Sarah Howie, Director of the Centre for Evaluation and Assessment (CEA) to the Board of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for the term 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. At the first meeting of the Board on 11 March 2016, Prof Howie was elected by members of the Board to serve as Deputy Chairperson for a term of five years.

 

The Board, which is chaired by Dr Toni-Penxa, comprises of prominent role-players in education, higher education, industry, trade unions and non-government organisations. The Board is tasked with the governance and financial management of SAQA, and with supporting and facilitating the implementation of key policy initiatives under SAQA’s mandate. It will also focus on working with a changed Sector Education and Training landscape while maintaining a strong emphasis on the implementation of the policy initiatives of the White Paper for Post-school Education and Training, the recognition of Prior Learning Coordination Policy and the Articulation Policy.