21 January 2009
Examination irregularities and a possible computer system failure could have
caused the Department of Education to delay releasing the 2008 matric results,
the department told Members of Parliament (MP), today.
Briefing the selected committee on Education and Recreation, the
department's Deputy Director-General Ms Penny Vinjevold said "an investigation
was underway to determine the exact causes of the delay." In some provinces,
failure of schools and circuits to submit learners' year marks was identified
as a contributing factor to the delay. The department and Umalusi, the council
for quality assurance in education, are investigating the extent of the
problem.
"We are investigating all possibilities including irregularities and our new
computer system failure," she said. The investigating team will inform the
Minister of Education Ms Naledi Pandor about their findings by the end of this
month.
Questioned by Members of Parliament about speculation that the mathematics
paper was not up to the required level, Ms Vinjevold said "a panel was
appointed this week to look at the paper and give their view to the
minister."
Ms H Lamoela, a member of the committee expressed disappointment in a manner
in which the 2008 matriculants have been treated. The committee will next week
visit Mpumalanga, the only province with outstanding results.
For enquiries contact:
Mr Sakhile Mokoena
Tel: 021 403 2340
Fax: 021 403 3931
Cell: 082 364 3633
Issued by: Parliamentary of South Africa
21 January 2009
Source: Parliamentary of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za)
