Picture: Umalusi and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi engaged in a consultative meeting/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi had a consultative engagement with Umalusi to clarify misconceptions regarding quality assurance and maintenance of standards of yearly external question papers and school-based assessment (SBA) tasks.
Umalusi CEO, Mafu Rakometsi said, the aim of the meeting was 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. 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,” said Rakometsi.
Motsumi said she is satisfied 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,” she said.
The Guardian 