Religious Associate Professional (Hindu Congregational Leader)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Hindu Congregational Leader. A Hindu Congregational Leader conducts rites, rituals and ceremonies in order to minister to the spiritual needs of the Hindu community. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform rites and rituals in order to improve spiritual awareness, spiritual growth and understanding of the scriptures. • Empower the congregation to understand and practice Hindu values. • Fulfil social responsibilities within a religious context. • Support the Temple management and ensure sustainability (Public Relations). • Participate in and provide leadership to external affairs and support community well-being (Provincial, local, national and regional).

The Hindu Community is a reasonably diverse community, but they have, over the last 124 years structured and organised themselves around an organisation called the Hindu Maha Sabha. This organisation has taken up the responsibility of looking after the interests of the total Hindu Community, they have affiliations from most of the Hindu organisations and working relationships with all the organisations. They have also been recognised by government as the body that represents the Hindu interests and as such, representatives of this body serve on a number of inter faith structures that advise government on religious issues. Through their discussions over the years the need for a recognised qualification became very apparent. Currently there are approximately 500 practising priests within South Africa. A problem exists with the registration of these Priests because there is no commonly accepted standard for this. Problems occur in communities where Priests practice without formal qualifications. It is also difficult to recognise qualifications obtained outside South Africa because there is no common standard to measure these qualifications. The Hindu Community, through their national representatives have identified the need to standardize the training of Priests and they will use this qualification for purposes of recognizing Priests. Specific needs that the qualification will meet: The standardisation of the requirements and professionalism of the Hindu Congregational Leaders/Priests is paramount for the achievement of social harmony and moral re-generation in the communities. These leaders play a critical role in influencing their communities regarding a range of social issues, they assist in the debunking of unacceptable myths relating to health issues, support national community development projects and create an environment where Congregational members can find solace for a range of personal and socio-economic challenges. This Occupational Certificate will enable the qualifying practitioners to support their constituency members in hospitals, old age homes, orphanages, prisons etc. It will also create a basis through which possible unethical practices by religious leaders can be identified and effectively managed. Benefits to society: Through the effective implementation of this qualification there will be a reduction of unregulated practices; improvement in the quality of understanding of the religion and cultural values; support for social cohesion; moral regeneration and a preservation of the Hindu culture. It will assist in protecting the integrity of the culture; increasing the communities trust in the Priest and ultimately support the dynamics of a productively functioning civil society. Range of learning and areas of typical employment: The essential focus of the occupational Certificate is on the effective use of the Hindu scriptures and the proper application of the traditions and rituals associated with the various Hindu belief systems. However, the qualification will also enable the Hindu Congregational leader to function effectively as a community leader and to apply sound practices when dealing with the social, emotional and personal problems of congregants. The need for professional referrals is emphasised and qualifying persons will have the capabilities to support the initiative of social and community development professionals. Persons with this qualification will be able to find employment in the various Hindu Temples, in non-governmental organisations and also in the formal social and community development fields. Contribution to the National Development Strategy: The National Development Plan aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society. The structure and intent of this occupational certificate is in total support of this development strategy. Religious practitioners are key to mobilising communities in supporting economic development and in creating conducive environments for investment and economic growth. The potential impact of this type of qualification on moral re-generation and social harmony alone is invaluable for the eventual achievement of the national objectives of a better life for all the people of South Africa. Learning Pathway: Learners will enter this qualification directly from school, or from the community. There is also a growing demand for this type of qualification from outside of South Africa. This qualification will create an entry into the social services world and articulation from here can be to Higher education qualifications or the Occupational certificates in the various social fields.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • National Senior Certificate, Level 4, SAQA ID 49647, with English Communication.

• Perform rites and rituals in order to improve spiritual awareness, spiritual growth and understanding of the relevant Hindu scriptures.
• Empower the congregation to understand and practice Hindu values.
• Fulfil social responsibilities within a religious context.
• Support the Temple management and ensure sustainability.
• Participate in and provide leadership to external affairs and support community well-being.