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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of human sustainability 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264459  Demonstrate an understanding of human sustainability 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Science, Env Mgt and Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 purpose of this standard is to provide the learner with an understanding of the concept of sustainability. In addition learners will acquire knowledge of the impact that humans have on the environment and vice-versa, as well as aspects of human vulnerability.

Learners credited with this standard will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating knowledge of the dynamics of human-environment relationships.
  • Describing the influence of political, economic and social processes on the environment.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the concept of human vulnerability.
  • Investigating alternative resources/ways to protect the environment and prevent depletion of vital resources. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamics of human-environment relationships. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ways in which particular societies impact on the environment are described in terms of how they differ in the use of resources and pollution levels. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to hunter-gatherer, pastoral, agricultural and industrial societies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Changes in the availability of resources are described in terms of the organisation of particular societies that emphasise the interaction between society and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to landmark developments, for example, the industrial revolution.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Changes in social organisation are described in terms of changes in the environment that emphasise the interaction between society and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Changes include human demographics, levels of consumption, pollution.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the influence of political, economic and social processes on the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Major political, economic and social processes and organisations that have influenced environmental challenges within a particular context are identified and described in terms of how human activity continuously impacts on the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least three processes are discussed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Processes and organisations that have influenced environmental challenges within a particular context are assessed to gauge the extent of the impact on the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Processes and organisations that could help to resolve environmental challenges within a particular context are identified and described in terms of the potential that exists to intervene to preserve the environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of human vulnerability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of human vulnerability is explained in relation to actions and their consequences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The concept of human resilience is explained in terms of adapting to new circumstances and conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The trends that combine to cause or increase human vulnerability are outlined and explained in terms of the power of these trends to impact on society. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to poverty, climatic change, sanitation, lack of resilience.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The way in which human vulnerability assessments are made is explained for various circumstances. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Investigate alternative resources/ways to protect the environment and prevent depletion of vital resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of firewood and methane as a source of energy are contrasted in terms of viability for the long term. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Converting feedstock (plant material) into compost is investigated as a practical way of reusing current resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of mass balance is explained to show the environmental impact of resource use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Techniques to use water optimally are investigated that will prevent the depletion of this vital resource. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Human-environment relationships.
  • Political, economic and social processes.
  • Human vulnerability.
  • Alternate resources of energy. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Identifying particular ways to conserve resources.
  • The counterbalanced lift truck for application.
  • Dealing with problems pertaining to the lifting machine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Exploring human-environment relations.
  • Discussing political, economic and social processes that impact on the environment.
  • Explaining the concept human vulnerability.
  • Exploring alternate energy resources to preserve vital resources like water and firewood. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Select ways of obtaining and using alternate resources. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66789   National Certificate: Environmental Management  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 


    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.
     
    1. A.S.A.P Training And Consulting 
    2. Aba Sebenzi 
    3. Akadon Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    4. All Access Holdings 
    5. Amusa Consulting 
    6. Arden School of Management 
    7. Asiphokuhle Training And Research Institute 
    8. B-Safe Africa Health 
    9. Bantubanye Skills 
    10. Baralong Safety Consultant (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Bo Support Services Cc 
    12. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    13. Business Intelligence And Governance 
    14. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
    15. Capricon Training Consultants cc 
    16. Career Builders Academy Pty Ltd 
    17. Change Strategies Consulting Services Cc 
    18. Chippa Training Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Clean Heat Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Commitech Consulting 
    21. Connex Marketing Cc 
    22. Cradle Stars Trading Enterprise 
    23. Cymbol Consulting(Pty) Ltd. 
    24. D and D Lwazi Renaissance Research and Development Institute 
    25. Danearl (Pty) Ltd 
    26. Ddb Zazele Consulting 
    27. Dikalakala Training And Skills Development 
    28. E Mali Outsourcing Cc 
    29. Ehsq System Matter 
    30. Elangeni Consulting 
    31. Elangeni Consulting (PTY) LTD 
    32. Elective Training Institute Enterprise Cc 
    33. Emvelo Quality And Environmental Consultant (Pty) Ltd 
    34. Enviro Mobi Pty Ltd 
    35. ENVOY PLANET CONSULTING AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    36. Forestcom 
    37. Fundani School of Thought (pty) Ltd 
    38. Giamanje Tvet College 
    39. Giant Alive Group 
    40. Gordtech Industries 
    41. Green Gain Consulting (Pty)Ltd 
    42. Green Skills Academy 
    43. Groen Mintirho (Pty)Ltd 
    44. Growing Cherries Consulting Services 
    45. Growth Management Consulting 
    46. Hamonate Consulting 
    47. Hlolo Entle Training and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Icando 
    49. Iliso Investment holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    50. Inafrica General Trading Pty Ltd 
    51. Injomane Trading 12 
    52. Inkazimulo Trading 
    53. Inkwazi Learning Network 
    54. Innercity Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    55. Isibuko Group Pty Ltd 
    56. Izwelethu Black Diamond 
    57. Jobafrik Consulting 
    58. Josmap Training Institute 
    59. Kagisho Business Concepts (Pty) Ltd 
    60. KALIDEEN MANAGEMENT SERVICES 
    61. Kellery Projects 
    62. Kelsey Events And Business Consulting 
    63. Kenlet Educational Projects 
    64. Kephama Training Solutions 
    65. KHOSITHI TRAINING 
    66. Khula Nonke Training & Development 
    67. Kn Business Solutions 
    68. Kuyakhula Development Initiatives 
    69. Letlhokoa Management Services Cc 
    70. Lewerb Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    71. Londimvelo Consultants 
    72. Lorrainee Trading Enterprise 
    73. Mabuya Amahle Trading 
    74. Makaota Training Consultants 
    75. Makhuba Development Projects CC 
    76. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    77. Mamuhle Academy 
    78. Mangalani Business Enterprises 
    79. Marcado Human Resources Strategies 
    80. Masizakhe Leanerships cc 
    81. MASM Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    82. MASS COMUTER TRAINING AND PRINTERS 
    83. Maxlen Holdings 
    84. Mazasa Management Consulting Cc. 
    85. Mementos Training Pty Ltd 
    86. Miczo'S Enterprise 
    87. Mintirho Development Services 
    88. Mml Consulting Cc. 
    89. Mohlaje Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    90. Mondli Mthemba Consulting Services 
    91. Motshegwa Construction And Accounting Services (Pty) Ltd 
    92. Mpeza Training And Development Specialist 
    93. MTHENGENYA & ASSOCIATES 
    94. Muhangwene Development Enterprise 
    95. MWG Logistical Services 
    96. Ncc Environmental Services 
    97. Nedtex73 
    98. Nkarise Training and Consulting Services 
    99. Nkqubela Community Developers 
    100. Nonunu Projects 
    101. Ns Global Academy 
    102. Nyankwavi Investment Cc. 
    103. Peluma Environmental And Training Services 
    104. Petra Institute of Development 
    105. Peuneo Training (Pty) Ltd 
    106. Pfim Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    107. PHALANE SAFETY CONSULTANT AND TRAINING PROVIDERS PTY LTD 
    108. Phatsimo Technologies 
    109. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    110. Poshido Training 
    111. Power Rush Trading 170 Cc. 
    112. Progressive School Of Business And Engineering (Pty) 
    113. R&M Enterprises Pty Ltd 
    114. Rasinkhu Investments 
    115. Reflections Development Institute 
    116. Reminiscent Business Consulting Pty (Ltd) 
    117. Sanctus Holdings Pty Ltd 
    118. Sanzah Academy 
    119. Sbongukhanyo Pty Ltd 
    120. Sebenzisanane Human Capital 
    121. Sheq International Group 
    122. Shirs Vision Compleadev (Pty) Ltd 
    123. Skills Fly Consulting Group Pty Ltd 
    124. Smartmatta (Pty) Ltd 
    125. Sonani Skills 
    126. South African Institute of Learning (SAIL) 
    127. Spectrium 
    128. Statistical Quality Management Institute For Training And Consultancy 
    129. Talent Emporium Academy (PTY) Ltd 
    130. Tasc Business Consulting And Training 
    131. Thando Consulting Services 
    132. The Green Affairs Consulting 
    133. Thinking Mind Trading 
    134. Thodi Technical Training Centre 
    135. Thubelihle Graduate Institute 
    136. Thusanang Skills & Training 
    137. Timothy Fasheun Group Enviromentors (Pty) Ltd 
    138. Tks Skills Development And Training 
    139. Tld Consulting 
    140. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    141. Triplo 4 Sustainable Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    142. TSK Projects(PTY)LTD 
    143. Ukhamba Quality Skills 
    144. University Of Intellectual Excellence (Pty)Ltd 
    145. Vantage Training 
    146. Vhutshilo Health And Training Organisation 
    147. Vicmat Consultants 
    148. Wildlife and Enviroment Society of South Africa 
    149. Wongintuthuko Projects 
    150. World Pace Development And Training Institute 
    151. Xl At Consulting Cc 
    152. Ya Hina Management Consulting And Projects 
    153. Yamangcuse Consulting 
    154. Yonga Umhlaba Waste And Environmental Management Services (Pty) 
    155. Zwavhudi Business School (Pty) Ltd 


    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.