Question No. 1786
Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) (a) Why have some of the 2008 matriculants not yet received their certificates and (b) when is it expected that they will receive their certificates;
(2) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. There has been a general delay in the release of all national senior certificates for the 2008 matriculants. This was caused by the redesigning of the certificate by the Quality Assurance Council, Umalusi, in light of the implementation of the new curriculum and qualification. The bulk of the certificates were issued to candidates by the end of September 2009.
The only candidates that have not received their certificates, at this stage, are those that wrote the supplementary examination in March 2009. These candidates will receive their certificates by the beginning of November 2009. In cases where candidates have informed the department of any difficulties with the higher education sector, the Department of Education has intervened on behalf of the candidates and no candidate should be disadvantaged because of this delay.
2. It is not necessary for the Minister to make a statement at this stage, given that the Quality Assurance Council, which is the certifying body, did make a statement on this matter in July 2009.
Source: Department of Education
