Umalusi confirms exam readiness and issues stern warning to cheaters

DESPITE concerns over potential irregularities and cheating, Umalusi - the education quality watchdog — has given the thumbs up for the 2025 matric exams beginning next week.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

Over a million learners are set to write their end-of-year exams at about 9 400 examination centres starting from next week.

Addressing the media in Pretoria, Umalusi chief executive officer Dr Mafu Rakometsi confirmed the body's readiness to oversee the examination process.

He, however, said there were areas of concern identified but added that they will not put the integrity of examinations in jeopardy.

The body has conducted an audit assessing the readiness of public and private assessment bodies, including the Departments of Basic Education (DBE) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute, to conduct the 2025 national exams for specific qualifications.

According to Umalusi, exam centres have been classified as low, medium, or high-risk based on factors such as past involvement in irregularities, private centres, especially private colleges administering DHET exams and centres administering the National Senior Certificate exam for the first time.