Umalusi has expressed full confidence in the country’s readiness to conduct, administer and manage the 2025 end-of-year national examinations.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, October 15, Umalusi’s CEO, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, said that while a recent audit had identified some areas requiring attention, none of them were serious enough to compromise the credibility of the examinations.

“The report presented by Dr Dliwayo makes it clear that, by and large, the system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end-of-year national examinations,” said Rakometsi.

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“For that reason, I can report to the public that the system is ready.”

According to Umalusi’s audit, over one million candidates are registered to sit for various national examinations this year.

This includes more than 900 000 learners writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams under the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Of these, 766 543 are full-time candidates, while 137 018 part-time candidates will rewrite certain subjects to improve their results.

A further 17 427 learners will write under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and 6 174 under the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

The examinations will be written at over 9 400 examination centres nationwide, covering both public and private assessment bodies.

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Audit findings and assurance

Presenting the detailed audit report, Umalusi senior manager Dr Mary-Antoinette Dliwayo said the evaluation covered all major assessment bodies – including the DBE, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the IEB and SACAI.

The audit focused on candidate registration, the security of examination materials, the readiness of marking centres, and the management of irregularities.

“Umalusi is satisfied that all candidates have been registered in accordance with examination regulations, that question papers have been externally moderated, and that adequate security measures are in place for the printing, packaging and distribution of question papers,” Dliwayo also said.

She added that all markers would be adequately trained before the marking process begins on November 15 and concludes on December 18.

Zero tolerance for irregularities

Rakometsi issued a firm warning against any form of examination irregularity or cheating, describing it as a “criminal practice” that undermines the integrity of the national examination system.

“Umalusi berates and condemns this criminal practice with the contempt it deserves. Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system, which we are mandated to jealously protect as a Quality Council,” he said.

He urged parents, guardians and communities to support candidates and protect examination centres from disruptions or protest action during the exam period.

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“We appeal to every South African to protect the education of our children,” Rakometsi added.

Areas for improvement and ongoing monitoring

While the audit identified minor issues – including a shortage of markers in some subjects and incomplete data consolidation in DHET’s N3 examinations – Umalusi confirmed that these concerns are being addressed and will not affect the overall readiness of the system.

The findings have been communicated to relevant education authorities for corrective action before the start of the examinations.

Umalusi will continue to monitor examination conduct across a sample of centres to ensure compliance with regulations.

After the exams, the body will carry out mark verification, standardisation of results and final approval before results are released on January 9.

Encouragement for the Class of 2025

Rakometsi commended all education stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining the integrity of the national examinations and wished the Class of 2025 well.

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“Umalusi applauds the DBE, the DHET, provincial departments and all partners for their dedication to upholding the credibility of our examinations,” he said.

“We wish the Class of 2025 strength and determination as they enter the final lap of their educational journey.”

The DBE has also urged learners to remain focused and make use of available support materials, including revision programmes, radio lessons and school-based study camps.