Umalusi confirms readiness for 2025 matric exams despite minor concerns

Umalusi has officially declared the national examination system ready for the 2025 end-of-year matric exams, assuring the public that all essential preparations are in place despite isolated concerns.

The Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training announced during a press briefing held in Pretoria on Wednesday.

CEO Dr. Mafu Rakometsi confirmed that while minor challenges were identified during readiness audits, none were systemic or serious enough to jeopardise the integrity of the exams.

“We are satisfied that the system is ready to administer the 2025 national examinations,” said Rakometsi.

“Umalusi is satisfied that all the assessment bodies have adequately trained their personnel (assistant invigilators, invigilators, chief invigilators, etc.) to execute all the activities connected with the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 year-end examinations.”

Umalusi's readiness audit, conducted between August 11 and October 9 across all nine provinces, assessed key operational areas such as registration, security, training, and logistical planning.

Over one million candidates are registered across four assessment bodies to write the 2024 year-end exams, setting the stage for the 2025 cycle.

Rakometsi emphasised that any concerns flagged during the audit process have been communicated to the relevant provincial education departments for immediate attention.

In reaffirming its oversight role, Umalusi stressed that the standard of assessments remains high. “We approve the release of learner results only when the examination processes meet national standards,” said Rakometsi.

The 2025 matric exams are expected to start at the end of October.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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