Umalusi, the quality assurance body for exams in South Africa, has officially approved the release of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
This green light comes after a thorough assessment, ensuring that no significant irregularities have compromised the exams’ credibility.
In a statement, Professor Yunus Ballim, the chairperson of Umalusi’s council, confirmed that the results from exams conducted by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (Sacai), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) are now ready for release.
No Major Issues with Exam Integrity, But Concerns Remain
Despite the positive approval, Umalusi expressed concerns regarding the ongoing issue of exam cheating.
Dr. Mafu Rakometsi, CEO of Umalusi, addressed the media in Pretoria on Monday, revealing that KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga once again topped the list for instances of cheating.
Although the overall number of cheating incidents dropped from 945 in 2023 to 407 in 2024, a significant number of students in these two provinces were still caught in the act.
Additionally, a private school in South Africa came under scrutiny after it was revealed that 30 students who had not passed Grade 11 were registered for the Grade 12 exams.
This irregularity has prompted Umalusi to take action, withdrawing the school’s registration status.
Court Clears Path for Result Publication
The South African website reported that one final obstacle was cleared earlier this week when the Pretoria High Court ruled in favor of publishing the results.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, along with her deputy Dr. Reginah Mhaule, is set to announce the results on Monday, 13 January, with the official release to candidates scheduled for Tuesday, 14 January.
More than 870,000 matriculants will be eagerly awaiting the results, which will determine their future educational and career paths.
Many students, along with their families and teachers, are looking forward to this crucial moment as it marks the culmination of years of hard work and study.
Options for Re-Marking and Re-Checking Exam Scripts
Students who feel dissatisfied with their results can apply for a re-mark or re-check of their exam scripts.
The cost for a re-mark is R120 per subject, and a re-check costs R30 per subject.
If students wish to view their scripts after the re-mark or re-check, a viewing fee of R230 applies.
These applications must be submitted within seven days of the re-mark or re-check results being released, which is set for 7 March 2025.
For those considering improving their scores, they may also register for the upcoming May/June exams.
The registration deadline for the June NSC exams is 7 February 2025.
June NSC Exams: A Chance to Improve or Complete Results
The former supplementary exams held in February/March have been replaced with the June NSC exams.
These exams provide an opportunity for candidates to improve their results or finish any incomplete subjects.
The application deadline for this exam is also 7 February 2025, and candidates must ensure they meet the necessary requirements to register.
For those who don’t qualify for the June exams, options include re-enrolling at school as a full-time or part-time repeater, or registering for the Senior Certificate exam, which is available for adult learners.
Understanding NSC Pass Requirements and What’s Next
To qualify for various higher education programs, students must meet specific pass requirements for the NSC.
For bachelor studies, students need to obtain at least 50% in four subjects, while for diploma studies, 40% in certain subjects is required.
Students pursuing higher certificate studies need a 40% pass in at least two other subjects, among other criteria.
Students who did not meet these requirements can still pursue further studies through vocational education or re-enroll to complete their exams.
How to Check Your Matric Results on Your Phone
Instead of waiting in long queues, matriculants can check their results online.
To access their results, students will need their exam number and cellphone.
They can register by sending an SMS with their exam number to 35658 or use the USSD code 12035658#.
The results will be available starting 14 January 2025.
Results Are Preliminary and Should Be Verified
The Department of Basic Education stresses that the published results are preliminary.
In case of any discrepancies, students should contact their school, district, or provincial education department for verification.
Financial Aid Options Available for Matriculants
For those planning to pursue further studies, bursaries from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are available.
Students can get more information by contacting NSFAS at 08600 NSFAS or visiting their website for assistance with funding their next educational step.
As the results are finalized and released, candidates will learn their academic fate and take the next steps toward their future endeavors, whether it’s higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.
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