By Phenyo Selinda
Umalusi, the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training, has given the green light for over 1.1 million candidates to sit for their year-end national examinations in 2024. This approval comes after Umalusi conducted a thorough audit of the state of readiness for both public and private assessment bodies, including the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).
The audit assessed various critical areas to ensure that the examinations, which cover qualifications such as the National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Certificate Vocational (NC(V)), and the General Education and Training Certificate (GETC): Adult Basic Education and Training, will be conducted with integrity and in compliance with quality standards  .
Ensuring Quality and Security
Umalusi’s audit evaluated the adequacy of personnel, the registration processes for candidates and exam centres, the moderation of internal assessments, and the security measures surrounding the printing, packaging, storage, and distribution of exam papers. This comprehensive evaluation is aimed at preventing irregularities that could compromise the credibility of the exams.
Umalusi CEO Dr. Mafu Rakometsi highlighted the importance of these examinations for South African learners, saying, “We have carefully scrutinized all aspects of the exam process to ensure that learners have a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a secure environment.” The council emphasized that maintaining examination integrity remains a top priority .
Key Findings from the Audit
The audit confirmed that all four assessment bodies are ready to conduct, administer, and manage the 2024 exams. However, certain challenges were identified:
1. Staffing Shortages: The DBE reported a shortage of personnel in some provinces, which could potentially impact the administration of exams. Contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate these challenges .
2. Security Concerns: To ensure the secure handling of examination materials, Umalusi verified that the necessary security protocols for printing and storing examination papers are strictly enforced. However, some storage locations only received partial approval and will operate under enhanced monitoring to mitigate risks .
3. Risk Factors: Umalusi also raised concerns about possible disruptions due to load shedding, cheating, and community protests. The council has urged examination bodies to ensure that alternative power sources are available at exam centres to counteract load shedding. Furthermore, Umalusi warned learners and teachers against all forms of cheating, including group copying, and called on communities to refrain from using exams as leverage during protests .
Load Shedding and Other Disruptions
Load shedding remains a significant challenge for the upcoming exams, with Umalusi advising that backup power arrangements be made to ensure exams proceed smoothly. This year, the council has placed additional emphasis on this issue given the ongoing challenges with South Africa’s power supply.
Umalusi also addressed concerns around community protests, which have historically disrupted exam periods. The council appealed to communities not to interfere with the exams, highlighting that any disruptions could have long-lasting impacts on the students’ futures .
Ready for the Class of 2024
For the Class of 2024, this period marks the culmination of years of preparation, with Umalusi’s certification of readiness bringing a sense of relief and confidence. The exams will take place at over 9,200 centres nationwide, with the DBE alone accommodating 882,336 NSC candidates across 6,909 centres, while private assessment bodies like the IEB and SACAI will cater to additional learners in private institutions .
The Umalusi council has commended the DBE, DHET, IEB, and SACAI for their efforts in preparing for this year’s exams and ensuring that all protocols are followed. As part of ongoing monitoring, Umalusi will continue to oversee the administration of these exams to ensure that any arising issues are swiftly addressed.
Exam Day Protocols and Monitoring
Exam day protocols have been reinforced to safeguard the process. All exam centres have been categorized according to risk levels, and high-risk centres will receive heightened scrutiny. Invigilators have been trained, and monitoring systems are in place to detect and respond to any irregularities during the exams. These measures are crucial in maintaining the credibility of the results, which Umalusi will only approve once satisfied that the exams have been free from irregularities .
Conclusion and Looking Forward
Umalusi’s thorough audit and readiness certification underscore its commitment to upholding educational standards in South Africa. With the examinations just around the corner, Umalusi wishes the candidates success as they prepare to sit for this important milestone in their educational journeys.
“We have ensured that the systems are in place to conduct these exams smoothly. Now, it’s up to the learners to bring their best to the exam rooms,” Dr. Rakometsi concluded, as he extended well-wishes to all the candidates.
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