By Rorisang Modiba
Umalusi, the body in charge of matric exams, has promised that this year’s exams will go ahead smoothly, even though there aren’t enough markers for some subjects like History, English, and Afrikaans.
In a recent update, Umalusi, which is responsible for quality control in education, said the Department of Basic Education doesn’t have enough markers, but the other exam bodies – the Independent Examination Board, Department of Higher Education and Training, and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute – have enough.
To fix the problem, Umalusi will bring in more markers and give extra time to complete the marking.
Umalusi’s CEO, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, said this shortage happens every year but hopes for better planning in the future.
“In future, we don’t want stop-gap measures. They’ve got adequate time to plan so that next year there is a full complement,” he said.
The marking will be done carefully, with a second check to make sure it’s done right.
Strict security is in place for the exams, and details are being kept secret to avoid leaks.
Teachers started training on 2 October to make sure the exams were fair.
Dr Rakometsi also warned against cheating, saying it could harm the entire education system.
“Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system, which we are mandated to jealously protect as a quality council,” he said.
Pictured above: Dr Mafu Rakometsi.
Source: Umalusi/X
