The Missing Middle: Bridging Policy, Practice, and Pathways Through an Independent RPL Authority

This paper addresses the urgent need to transform South Africa’s education and training system by unlocking multiple pathways for access, particularly for those from previously disadvantaged communities. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) was introduced as a mechanism to widen participation, redress exclusion, and value learning wherever it occurs. Yet, in practice, learners and workers continue to face barriers, duplication, and limited mobility.  The paper proposes an Independent RPL Authority to standardise recognition processes, issue portable outcomes, and embed accountability across institutions. It further introduces a Digital Eco-system, functioning as both a Learning Management System (LMS) and knowledge harvester, underpinned by Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). This innovation is designed to provide workers, learners, and communities with fair recognition of skills and secure, lifelong educational records.  By bridging policy aspirations and systemic gaps, the framework aims to expand formal education access, reduce inequality, and strengthen the link between education and employment for all South Africans. Keywords: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); National Qualifications Framework (NQF); Digital Eco-system; Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT); Educational Policy; Equity and Redress.