This statement is a sequel to a press release issued by Umalusi on 12 September 2014 regarding the approval for the release of the 2014 Senior Certificate (SC) results in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The SC exam is a mid-year examination aimed at adult learners who study part-time. The SC is also known as old matric; therefore it should not be confused with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination written by school going learners. The SC examination, which is based on the old curriculum called Report 550, was conducted for the seventhtime this year in May to June.
After conducting a third and final audit of the investigation, the Department of Basic Education submitted the final report to Umalusi on 20 October 2014. Based on the evidence presented, it is clear that the irregularities were widespread. However, on the basis of evidence before it, Umalusi has finally approved the release of results at 203 centres – out of a provincial total of 356 centres. Furthermore, Umalusi took a decision not to approve the release of results at the remaining 153 centres where gross irregularities were found across subjects.
It is Umalusi’s considered view that the results of the affected centres were so compromised that they had to be declared invalid. Thus the exams conducted at these centres did not meet Umalusi’s requirements for a fair and credible examination. Therefore, as a Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi cannot attest to the credibility of examinations administered at the 153 centres where the results have not been approved.
The Department of Basic Education together with the KZN Department of Education will release a list of the 203 centres where the results were approved and the 153 centres where the results have not been approved.
Enquiries:
Mr Lucky Ditaunyane
Senior Manager: PR and Communications
Cell: 083 227 6074
E-mail: lucky@umalusi.org.za
