Umalusi CEO Dr. Mafu Rakometsi has given the green light for examination bodies to manage the end-of-year matric exams. They confirmed that the system is ready to uphold the integrity and credibility of the examinations.
I can report to the South African public that, by and large, the system is ready to administer the 2024 end-of-year national examinations
More than 1.1 million candidates have registered to write the November 2024 NSC, NC(V): L2-L4, NATED Report 190/191 (N2-NN3), and GETC.
The CEO briefed members of the media on the readiness of assessment bodies to manage and conduct the 2024 matric exams. These bodies include the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the South African Certificate of Accounting (SACAI).
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
How Umalusi Quality Assures Matric Exams
Umalusi conducts various checks to ensure the quality of assessments and certificates. These checks include reviewing exam materials, monitoring school-based assessments, verifying school preparedness, overseeing exam administration, reviewing marking, handling special cases, maintaining consistent standards, approving results, and issuing certificates.
2024 End Of Year Exams
Umalusi confirmed that the question papers for the November 2024 NSC, NC(V), NATED N2-N3, and GETC: ABET exams have completed moderation and fully comply with Umalusi's quality assurance standards, and received approval.
Additionally, the timetables for these examinations are now available.
Umalusi explained that the printing of examination papers and materials follows the printing management plans of the assessment bodies. Audits of examination centres and storage points for exam materials, including scripts, have concluded. Risk assessments were conducted, and measures are in place to mitigate identified risks.
Systems for invigilation and monitoring of examination administration are in place, with final training sessions scheduled before the exams begin. Furthermore, the recruitment, selection, and appointment of markers followed predetermined criteria and timelines.
Marking will begin in stages as planned by the assessment bodies, with marking schedules and quality assurance processes already established.
In September, the Life Orientation Common Assessment Task (LO CAT) exam was successfully conducted under controlled conditions across the nine Provincial Education Departments.
Umalusi confirmed that question papers were securely printed, packaged, stored in audited facilities, and monitored throughout the process.
Umalusi is satisfied with the continuous enhancement of security measures, particularly the expedited vetting of individuals involved in handling live question papers. To mitigate the identified risk regarding unapproved storage locations, the DBE will utilise concessions from the HOD, and Umalusi will sample some of these locations for monitoring purposes.
Umalusi are also confident that areas of concern are not systemic and will therefore harm the overall credibility of exams. These include low numbers of learner concession applications and mistakes in exam papers.
"Another matter of equal or greater importance relates to elimination of errors in question papers. To tighten our oversight role as a Quality Council, we intensified training of all our external moderators."
Rakometsi also warned learners and teachers to be against cheating in the upcoming exams.
Umalsui berates and condens these criminal practices with the content it deserves. Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system
Arrests Made for Fraudulent Matric Certificates
Updates were also shared on recent arrests related to fraudulent certificates and the accreditation status of online schools.
Concerning fraudulent certificates, Umalusi applauds the Hawks for the recent arrest of two employees of the North-West Provincial Education Department for allegedly submitting fraudulent matric certificates when they applied for their positions many years ago
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
Matric Exam Resources
Learners are encouraged to prepare adequately for the matric exams.
The Careers Portal provides resources including matric past papers, dedicated to making the matric year easier for grade 12s.
You'll be able to find everything you need from matric rewrite information, matric results, study guides, matric past exam papers, matric timetables, tips, advice and more.
These resources can assist both Senior Certificate and National Senior Certificate candidates.
