The debate over whether South Africa should adopt a single examination system for matriculants has sparked a public disagreement between two prominent political figures: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube. Lesufi has been advocating for a unified system where both private and public school students write the same exams, arguing that this would create a level playing field and promote equity in the education system.
However, Gwarube has rejected this proposal, stating that it is not a priority and that the focus should instead be on improving the quality of education in public schools. She believes that the current system, which allows for different examination frameworks, is more suited to the diverse needs of students across various schooling environments.
The Minister pointed out that both the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), which conducts exams for private school students, and the public education system have their own strengths and challenges. Gwarube expressed skepticism that a single examination system would address these differences effectively. She emphasized that the number of students who sit for IEB exams is relatively small compared to those in the public system, making a uniform exam system an impractical solution.
“There is nothing to gain by saying there should be one exam; the numbers are small at an Independent Examinations Board and South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute level,” Gwarube said. She further argued that consolidating the exam systems would not necessarily improve educational outcomes, as the main issues facing education in South Africa are rooted in the quality of schooling, particularly in public schools.
The proposal for a single examination system has generated significant debate. Supporters, including Lesufi, argue that it would create a fairer and more inclusive educational environment. Lesufi has suggested that uniform exams would align the education system and ensure that all students are assessed by the same standards, regardless of the type of school they attend. He points to the fact that students at university are required to take the same exams, suggesting that this approach should be introduced earlier in the educational journey.
“We really believe that if you have a child or a school that is an informal school like Lufhereng and it can give us a 96 bachelor pass rate and learners that are giving you six distinctions including Mswawenkosi Buthelezi who is the top achiever, this calls for all of us to push for one examination because the regulator (Umalusi) is the same and the pass mark is the same,” Lesufi explained. He emphasized that if the standards can be aligned at the university level, they should also be set at the high school level.
However, Gwarube disagrees with this logic, insisting that a single examination system would not be a panacea for the systemic issues in education. She argues that such a move would not resolve the underlying challenges, such as the disparities in resources between private and public schools, or the unequal access to quality education that many students face.
As the debate continues, it raises broader questions about how best to ensure fairness and quality in the education system. While Lesufi’s call for a unified examination system seeks to create consistency, Gwarube’s stance highlights the need for a more nuanced approach that addresses the diverse realities of South Africa’s schools. For now, the government will continue to focus on improving the overall quality of education, with both leaders acknowledging the importance of ensuring that all learners are given the opportunity to succeed.
