Valuer (Municipal Property Assessor)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Municipal Property Assessor. A Municipal Property Assessor (MPA) provides a number of services and support services within a municipality. They coordinate the implementation of the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) in order to ensure compliance, collect data on properties determine the market value of a single residential property and maintain the integrity of data within a municipality, in so far as rating interface related matters are concerned. The MPA operates in metropolitan and local municipalities. A qualified learner will be able to: • Monitor compliance to and coordinate the implementation of the MPRA within a municipality. • Collect data on property. • Determine the market value of a single residential property. • Provide support to the municipality and/or Municipal Valuer. • Monitor and maintain MPRA data/information integrity (Quality assurance (QA) process).

The country implemented the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) - that necessitates specialised skills and competencies in municipalities for effective implementation and compliance to the MPRA. Currently, there are limited education and training opportunities available to produce competent people for implementation of the MPRA. Other challenges identified in the implementation of the Municipal Property Rates Act, include: • Limited or no capacity within municipalities dedicated to the MPRA function. • Lack of skills in mass valuation. • Poor control and management of data and evidence to support the MPRA. • Perceived inefficiencies in dealing with ratepayers and the levying of rates. • Generally poor understanding of the MPRA. • Inability to effectively manage general valuation contracts (service providers). • Inability to undertake quality assurance on valuation rolls being delivered. A combination of valuation, financial and data management are necessary occupational skills required in the majority of medium to smaller municipalities where there is no in-house professional Valuer. This qualification will meet the needs of the sector by improving the capacity, knowledge, skills and competencies of staff in municipalities to effectively implement the MPRA in areas such as mass valuation, control and management of data, dealing with ratepayers and the levying of rates, effectively managing general valuation contracts (service providers) and undertaking quality assurance on valuation rolls being delivered. The qualification provides for a part qualification for the Property Data Collector, which will create significant employment opportunities. The qualification will also improve the property valuation and rating system in municipalities, ensure quality valuation rolls and reduce objections and appeals by ratepayers. Further, there will be an improvement in the management of external service providers appointed as Municipal Valuers in terms of the MPRA. The qualification is likely to improve the entry of people into the valuation profession and contribute to the transformation agenda of government. The qualification will enjoy recognition from the South African Council for the Professional Valuer Profession (SACPVP) in a registration category yet to be determined by SACPVP. The learner completing this qualification should be able to pursue the National Diploma currently offered at universities as well as other professions within municipalities related to property valuation, finance or legal affairs. This is a nationally recognised qualification that will improve current knowledge, skills and competencies in performing the MPRA function in municipalities and provide an increase in employment opportunity and career-pathing generally. The qualification will meet the objectives of the National Development Plan regarding Building a Capable State and advancing the transformation agenda in the valuation profession bringing in new entrants to the field of property valuation, who may be able to become professional Valuers in the long term. The society will benefit from a well-managed valuation and rating system in municipalities as ratepayers will have their queries, objections and appeals dealt with in an efficient manner.

Entry Requirements: • A Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy. 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.

• Monitor compliance to the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) within a municipality.
• Collect data on property.
• Value single residential properties.
• Facilitate the management of contracts and projects.
• Manage queries, reviews, objections and appeals.
• Quality assure valuation rolls and data.