MBOMBELA- The South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) had SAQA congratulated the matric class of 2014 for having successfully completed their examinations based on the new Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
In a media statement SAQA also congratulates the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on running a successful exam with over 600 000 learners, and is pleased to note that there were no reported leakages of examination papers in 2014.
SAQA acknowledges Umalusi for quality assuring the exams and applauds the Department of Education for its quick response to launch an investigation into allegations of mass copying in several exam centres in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, as it was noted that mass copying was reported in 2% of exam centres.
The media release added that SAQA noted the decrease in serious and administrative irregularities.
“This decline in irregularities is an encouraging trend. However, there are still a number of technical irregularities that need continuous attention,”it states.
“Technical irregularities can be avoided if the administrative staff is properly trained”, said SAQA CEO, Joe Samuels.
“Invigilators should know their responsibilities and be able to stop students from copying”, Mr Samuels added.
In order to improve the quality and preserve the integrity of the National Senior Certificate, SAQA makes the following recommendations:
-More focus must be placed on training invigilators to prevent mass copying,
-Administrative staff training should be strengthened to ensure that only students who are registered can sit for the exam, and students are writing the subjects that they are registered for,
-Greater protection should be given to whistle-blowers,
-The Department of Education and Umalusi must implement stronger measures to provide students with error-free question papers. We are pleased to note that the DBE has already committed itself to error-free exam papers in 2015.
-In order to increase the credibility of the examination system, the National Examination Irregularities Committee (NEIC) that receives reports on irregularities nationally, should have a chairperson who is independent of the Department of Education.
-A rejuvenation of core values is needed to bring further integrity to the system and to prevent fraudulent activities, and
-A focussed reflection on what constitutes fraud should be undertaken by the DBE and other stakeholders involved in education.
