of the results
26 February 2009
The Ministry of Education has noted with serious concern media reports
attributed to National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa
(Naptosa) alleging that the Department of Education had blamed teachers for the
delay of the release of some 2008 matric results.
The department wishes to make it categorically clear that at no stage did it
ever blame teachers for this unfortunate debacle. Below is part of the
statement the Ministry issued following the Council of Education Ministers
Meeting, early this week.
Matric results
The Minister gave MECs copies of the task-team report into the delay in the
release of matric results, and Council discussed some of the findings in the
report. A variety of factors contributed to delays, including incompetence or
neglect of duty in some cases, but also systemic issues at a national level,
some related to the new computer system being used. In most cases, the delays
were as a result of a tightening up of the system, and a lack of compliance
with the new requirements.
The report has been referred to the Committee of Heads of Education (HEDCOM)
to take the necessary follow-up action. A report to Council today indicated how
each of the matters identified in the report will be addressed before the 2009
examinations. Council is confident that this situation will not be repeated.
The Department has apologised to all candidates whose results were delayed and
has appealed to any who feel they have been unduly prejudiced to contact the
Department to see if any redress can be provided.
The task-team report will be provided to the Public Protector and the Human
Rights Commission, and tabled in Parliament. The Ministry of Education further
challenges Naptosa to make public their source of information. If they fail to
do so, they should withdraw their statement and apologise for lying to its
members and the public.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education
26 February 2009
