Umalusi warns teachers and principals against blocking matric pupils from writing exams
The exams quality council says preventing registered candidates from sitting a subject is unlawful and driven by an attempt to improve results, as 1,079,879 candidates prepare to write from 13 October.
Umalusi has warned that teachers and principals who prevent registered candidates from writing examinations are acting unlawfully, and says the practice is driven by an attempt to improve results.
The council’s chief executive officer, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, made the warning at a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday on the state of readiness for the final examinations, which begin on 13 October.
A total of 1 079 879 candidates will sit for the General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training, the National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 and the National Senior Certificate examinations.
“Umalusi sincerely hopes that the persistent practice of teachers and principals preventing registered candidates from writing examinations in particular subjects will not recur,” Rakometsi said. He urged learners and their parents or guardians to report any such incident immediately to the relevant authorities.
On irregularities generally, Rakometsi said examination bodies have systems in place to address and manage assessment and examination irregularities. “Should they arise, irregularities will be handled within the relevant system and in accordance with the regulations governing the conduct, administration and management of assessments and examinations,” he said.
He urged assessment bodies to take every necessary step to identify and prevent irregularities, and warned candidates against using unlawful means to gain an unfair advantage. “Hard work, honesty and diligent study remain the foundations of academic success,” he said.
Rakometsi said Umalusi remains concerned about recurring irregularities involving Integrated Summative Assessment Tasks, Practical Assessment Tasks and Internal Continuous Assessments at Department of Higher Education colleges. These assessment components are used in South Africa’s technical, vocational and general education systems to measure students’ theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
“Umalusi has repeatedly advised the DHET that successful implementation of ISAT and PAT requires comprehensive planning, including adequate resources and facilities and appropriate scheduling,” he said, adding that little progress appears to have been made. Umalusi will deploy officials to monitor the conduct of the examinations and ensure full compliance with the relevant regulations.
The examination timetable has been amended to accommodate the Local Government Elections on 4 November, which fall within the examination period. Rakometsi said Umalusi has previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations.
“Umalusi will therefore work closely with assessment bodies, provincial education departments and other relevant stakeholders to prevent election-related activities from interfering with the examination process,” he said.
He appealed to political and community leaders, principals, teachers and parents to minimise disruption, especially near schools serving as examination centres. Many schools, including those used as voting stations, hold extra classes on weekends and during holidays to prepare candidates.
“Umalusi appeals to everyone to provide candidates with the support they need during this critical stage of their educational journey and to take every possible step to ensure that no candidate is unduly disadvantaged,” Rakometsi said.
This report is based on SAnews (South African Government News Agency), the government’s official news service, rather than on Umalusi’s full briefing record.
Source: SAnews (South African Government News Agency), Exam irregularities will be dealt with: Umalusi, https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/exam-irregularities-will-be-dealt-umalusi
