No certificates for unaccredited schools

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CEO of Umalusi, Mafu Rakometsi, said the decision was informed by the need for all independent schools to be accredited by Umalusi before they can offer qualifications that fall within the council’s mandate.

“The decision will come into effect in January 2017 following a notice given by Umalusi to all unaccredited schools to apply for accreditation before 31 October 2016,” Rakometsi said.

The requirements for the registration of independent schools as examination centres state that “in order for an independent school to be registered as an examination centre by either an accredited private assessment body or the state, such a school, besides being registered as a school, must also be accredited by Umalusi”.

Rakometsi said from 2017 onwards, Umalusi will certify only the learners who sit and fulfil the requirements of the National Senior Certificate at accredited independent schools or independent schools that have made considerable progress in their application for accreditation with Umalusi.

“Part of Umalusi’s mandate is to ensure that learners attend schools that are recognised by law so that they can obtain credible qualifications from those institutions.

“We are doing this to protect unsuspecting learners and parents from unscrupulous people,” he said.

Umalusi Council sets and monitors standards for general and further education and training in South Africa in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework Act No 67 of 2008 and the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act No 58 of 2001.

The council is tasked with the development and management of a sub-framework of qualifications for general and further education and training and for the attendant quality assurance.