Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi has assured the public that examination bodies have systems in place to address and manage assessment and examination irregularities.
Rakometsi was briefing the media on Thursday in Pretoria on the state of readiness for the final examinations, which are due to commence on 13 October.
A total of 1 079 879 candidates will sit for the General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training (GETC: ABET), National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] Level 4 and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
“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.
“Umalusi urges assessment bodies to take every necessary step to identify and prevent irregularities during the examinations. Candidates are also warned against using unlawful means to gain an unfair advantage. Hard work, honesty and diligent study remain the foundations of academic success,” he stated.
Rakometsi noted that Umalusi remains concerned about “recurring irregularities involving Integrated Summative Assessment Tasks [ISAT], Practical Assessment Tasks [PAT] and Internal Continuous Assessments [ICASS]” at Department of Higher Education (DHET) colleges.
These core 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.
“However, 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,” Rakometsi assured.
He cautioned against preventing learners from writing examinations.
“Umalusi sincerely hopes that the persistent practice of teachers and principals preventing registered candidates from writing examinations in particular subjects will not recur.
“As previously stated, this unlawful practice is driven by an attempt to improve examination results. Umalusi urges learners and their parents or guardians to report any such incident immediately to the relevant authorities,” Rakometsi urged.
The examination period
The examination timetable has been amended to accommodate the Local Government Elections.
“Umalusi has previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations. Because the Local Government Elections on 4 November coincide with the examination period, related political activities may affect examination operations.
“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 stated.
Communities were urged to help ensure that the examinations proceed without incident.
“Many schools, including those used as voting stations, hold extra classes on weekends and during holidays to prepare candidates for examinations. Umalusi therefore urges all stakeholders, including political and community leaders, principals, teachers, parents, etcetera, to minimise the disruption caused by political activities, especially in the vicinity of schools serving as examination centres.
“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. – SAnews.gov.za
