SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate the Mission's Communication Systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114865  Operate the Mission's Communication Systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Diplomacy, Protocol and Foreign Affairs Assist 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner will be able to understand and apply relevant technological knowledge responsibly in the execution of mission tasks. This unit standard has as its core purpose, qualifying learners who will demonstrate ability to perform the necessary steps to keep the Unix and/or the NT systems in a mission functioning effectively.

They will be able to apply SACSA security measures; understand PC fundamentals and apply specific computer software programmes in performing mission tasks. They will handle voice, fax and data encryption equipment and do basic maintenance of thereof.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply security measures as per SACSA prescripts
  • Use and maintain mission communication systems.
  • Handle all Unix applications in performing mission tasks.
  • Keep the NT system functioning effectively.
  • Apply specific computer software programmes in mission tasks.
  • Do basic computer and other technological maintenance. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification are assumed to have completed a Level 4 qualification or RPL equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply security measures as per SACSA prescripts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Key control, lock settings, registers and after hour access are implemented according to SACSA requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cryptographic security is implemented. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The physical security of couriers and cryptographic material is established to SACSA specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Transmission, Computer, Speech and data security is implemented according to specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Use and maintain mission communication systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The DFA communication systems are described and the technology utilized is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The inter-relationship of systems and the technological environment of systems is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The setting up of a communications room is undertaken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Encryption devices are utilized and maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fault reporting procedures are followed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Handle all Unix applications in performing mission tasks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the Unix hardware, software, functions and terminal set-ups is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All the functions of the Unix system are applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Competence in communications with Head Office and the mission is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Office users of the system are identified and the user accounts handled as prescribed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Security regarding the Robben Card and general security on the system is implemented. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Keep the NT system functioning effectively. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The duties and functions of the Operations Room, the Early Warning Center and the Help Desk are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Unix and the NT systems are compared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Components of the NT are identified and system and how they function as a network is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Application of the functions of the network components are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The NT Task checklist is used in performing mission tasks. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply specific software programmes to perform mission tasks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    MS Word is applied in executing mission tasks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Competence in utilizing Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and/or Intranet is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Do basic computer and other technological maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fault reporting processes are followed when applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ability to replace cards, disks and tape drives is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Physical security of equipment is implemented. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the ETQA's discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • ACSA specifications for security measures
  • Transmission security
  • Speech and data security
  • Computer crypto security
  • Cryptographic Security: Administration of communication security
  • Overview of ICT services
  • DFA Communication, office and server systems
  • Maintenance and support
  • MISS, Documentation Security Policy
  • Access, storage and removal of classified information
  • Security breaches
  • Priorities and classification of messages and documents.
  • Types of Licks: Lever, code and combination locks
  • ITC - Information Technology Committee
  • Setting up a Communication Room
  • Unix System: Hardware, Software, terminal set-ups & functions & security
  • NT System: Operations Room, Early Warning Center, Help Desk
  • Components of NT System: BDC and PDC
  • NT Task check list 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in presenting the best interest of South Africa by maintaining security policies. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively in preparing relevant materials for presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use technology responsibly in performing tasks in the mission office. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems to acquire best possible understanding of technological resources and the use thereof in a diplomatic context. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Assessment Methods and Intergrated Assessment

    Ensure that assessment covers the specific outcomes, the critical cross-field outcomes and the essential embedded knowledge. Assessment activities should be appropriate to the context and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including direct observation, product sample, simulation, questioning (verbal or written) and testimony (portfolio collection of evidence).

    Integrated assessment: It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the number of assessment "events". Ensure that the commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & Intranet: Unit Standards exist and should be consulted for implementation into the qualification as a whole. Most are at a lower level, but the context of application here is very specific for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

    Activity No. Hours Comments
  • Lectures 40
  • Experiential Learning 80 Integration with other Unit Standards is advisable
  • Self-directed learning 20
  • Skills coaching 60
  • Other
    Total 200 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48761   National Certificate: Mission Administration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  PSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.