South Africa’s education quality assurance body, 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, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer Dr Mafu Rakometsi said that although a few areas of concern were identified in the recent audit, these were not severe enough to affect the credibility of the exams.
“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. For that reason, I can report to the public that the system is ready,” said Rakometsi.
Over One Million Candidates Registered for the 2025 Exams
According to Umalusi’s audit report, more than one million learners have registered to write various national examinations this year. This includes over 900,000 candidates sitting for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) under the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
- 766,543 full-time candidates
- 137,018 part-time candidates (improving previous results)
- 17,427 under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
- 6,174 through the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI)
Examinations will take place at more than 9,400 centres nationwide, covering both public and private assessment bodies.
Audit Confirms Strong Systems in Place
Presenting the audit findings, Umalusi Senior Manager Dr Mary-Antoinette Dliwayo confirmed that the organisation had evaluated all key assessment bodies — including DBE, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), IEB, and SACAI — to determine readiness for the exams.
“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,” said Dliwayo.
She further noted that all markers will be fully trained before the marking process begins on 15 November and continues until 18 December 2025.
Zero Tolerance for Cheating and Exam Irregularities
Dr Rakometsi issued a stern warning against exam misconduct, calling on learners and educators to uphold integrity during this critical period.
“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 protect,” he said.
He also appealed to parents, guardians, and communities to support learners and protect schools from disruptions during the exam period.
“Umalusi discourages communities from using examinations as leverage for protest action. It is the duty of every South African to protect the education of our children,” Rakometsi added.
Addressing Areas of Concern
The audit identified a few issues, such as:
- Shortages of markers in specific subjects.
- Incomplete data consolidation for the DHET’s N3 exams.
However, Umalusi confirmed that these challenges are being addressed promptly and will not impact the overall readiness of the system.
Umalusi will continue to monitor examination centres to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain the integrity of results. The quality assurance process will culminate in mark verification, result standardisation, and final approval for release by Umalusi’s Executive Committee on 9 January 2026.
Encouragement for the Class of 2025
Dr Rakometsi commended education stakeholders for their dedication to maintaining the credibility of South Africa’s exams.
“Umalusi applauds the efforts of the DBE, Provincial Education Departments, DHET, IEB, SACAI, and all stakeholders for upholding the integrity of the examinations. We wish the Class of 2025 strength and determination as they enter the final lap of their educational journey,” he said.
The Department of Basic Education also encouraged learners to remain focused ahead of the 2025 NSC examinations, which begin on 21 October 2025. Learners are urged to use available resources such as revision guides, radio lessons, and study camps to prepare effectively.
A Confident Step Toward Credible 2025 Examinations
With robust systems, security measures, and readiness plans in place, both Umalusi and the Department of Basic Education have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the 2025 final examinations are conducted credibly, securely, and fairly for all South African learners.
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