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) onto 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 the 11 March 2016, Prof Howie was elected by members of the board as the Deputy-Chairperson of the Board of SAQA, which she will serve for the next five years.

The board is chaired by Dr Toni-Penxa and composes of prominent members of Education, Higher Education, Industry, Trade Unions and Non-Government organisations. The Board is tasked with the governance and financial management of SAQA and supporting and facilitating the implementation of key policy initiatives under SAQA’s mandate. Furthermore, it will be focusing on working with a changed Sector Education and Training landscape, and in particular will maintain a strong focus on implementing the policy initiatives of the White Paper for Post-school Education and training, the recognition of Priori Learning coordination Policy and the Articulation Policy.