Umalusi Clarifies Misconceptions Regarding Quality Assurance and Maintenance of Standards of Yearly External Question Papers and School Based Assessment (SBA) Tasks.

Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, held an intensive meeting with the North West Department of Education on Wednesday, 07 November 2023, to address and rectify some of the misconceptions surrounding the quality assurance and maintenance of standards of yearly external question papers and School Based Assessment (SBA) tasks.

The meeting, hosted by MEC Viola Motsumi and accompanied by the Acting Head of Department and the Curriculum and Examinations team, aimed to dispel several misconceptions, including alleged disparities between the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and Department of Basic Education (DBE) matric certification, finalisation of marks, and manipulation of marks.

“As an institution we want to clarify that there is only one National Senior Certificate (NSC) in the country, which is assessed by the DBE, IEB, and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI). Umalusi relies on consistently applied standardization principles,” emphasized Mafu Rakometsi, Umalusi CEO.

MEC Motsumi expressed her satisfaction with the engagement, particularly given its timing just before the completion of examinations, marking, and evaluation of qualifications.
“I am grateful for the clarity provided by Umalusi, as they are reliable moderators for fair and valid qualifications. This awareness instills confidence in assessment bodies and all involved stakeholders in the results that appear on a learner’s certificate of educational achievement. This is a true partnership that seeks to maintain quality education,” stated Motsumi.

Umalusi is currently conducting road shows across the country to clarify any misconceptions regarding its validity and to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about its role in maintaining high standards of education in South Africa.

For more information please contact:
Mphata Molokwane
Media Liaison Officer (Spokesperson)
082 979 3638
Or
Elias Malindi
Acting Head of Communications
072 892 8399