SADTU says well done to matrics

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Pretoria - The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has congratulated the thousands of learners who have passed their matric exams, urging those who did not make it not to give up.

In a statement released on Thursday, the union further welcomed what it called the prompt release of the 2009 matric results.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga released the official results, which showed a pass rate of 60.6 percent, a short while ago.

SADTU expressed delight at the commitment by the minister to tighten the systems to prevent irregularities during matric exams.

"The fact that the irregularities in Mpumalanga were quickly picked up is encouraging especially as they won't affect the release of the 2009 matric results in that province," said SADTU.

However, the overall results still reflected that learners from the working class and poor communities still experience problems and clearly reflecting the informal and the formal economies, the teacher's union said.

"We fully support the actions of Umalusi in conducting full investigations of the affected areas. This is necessary to preserve the integrity of the exam results which is in the interests of learners".

SADTU blamed what it called "fly-by-night" private schools for the problems experienced in Mpumalanga where officials were nabbed for their involvement in the leaking of matric exam papers.

"This clearly points to a need for greater regulation of this sector," SADTU said.

It praised Motshekga for acting decisively in stripping the province of its powers to run exams.

Regarding Mpumalanga, the union called for an independent commission of enquiry to clarify issues of irregularities in that province.