Pretoria: Quality assurance body, Umalusi, has expressed full confidence that the country’s examination system is ready for the conduct, administration, and management of the 2025 end-of-year national examinations. Umalusi Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mafu Rakometsi, stated that while an audit had identified some areas of concern, these were not systemic and would not compromise the credibility of the examinations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the audit report indicated that over one million candidates are registered 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). Among these candidates, 766,543 are full-time, while 137,018 are part-time candidates seeking to improve their results. Additionally, 17,427 learners will write the NSC under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and 6,174 candidates are registered through the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).
The examinations will be conducted across more than 9,400 examination centers nationwide, encompassing both public and private assessment bodies. Umalusi Senior Manager Dr. Mary-Antoinette Dliwayo presented the detailed audit report, highlighting that the quality assurance body had completed a comprehensive evaluation of all assessment bodies, including the DBE, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the IEB, and SACAI.
Dr. Dliwayo explained that the audit focused on key areas such as candidate registration, security of examination materials, readiness of marking centers, and systems for managing irregularities. She stated that Umalusi is satisfied with the registration process, moderation of question papers, and security measures for the printing, packaging, and distribution of examination materials. Umalusi is also confident that all markers will be adequately trained before marking commences on November 15, 2025.
Umalusi issued a stern warning against examination irregularities and cheating, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s national examination system. Rakometsi called on parents, guardians, and communities to support candidates and prevent disruptions at schools and examination centers.
While Umalusi’s audit highlighted areas for improvement, such as a shortage of markers in some subjects and data consolidation issues in the DHET’s N3 examinations, these concerns are being addressed to ensure overall system readiness. Umalusi will continue to monitor examination conduct to ensure compliance and uphold result integrity.
The quality assurance processes following the examinations will include mark verification, result standardization, and approval of their release by Umalusi’s Executive Committee on January 9, 2026.
Rakometsi concluded by commending stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining the examination system’s credibility and wished the Class of 2025 well. The DBE also called on learners to stay focused and utilize available support resources to ensure a smooth conclusion to the 2025 academic year.