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Panyaza Lesufi Advocates Universal IEB Exams for All South African Learners
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has dispelled rumours suggesting he is pushing to eliminate the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) exams in favour of the National Senior Certificate administered by the national Department of Basic Education, specifically the IEB exam.
Contrary to reports, Lesufi stressed that his objective is not to abolish any examination but to advocate for a unified examination system for all learners across South Africa, according to IOL. While discussing the matter with eNCA, Lesufi, acting as an activist, highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities in education. He underlined the need for a standardised examination for all students, ensuring that the quality of education is uniform and not influenced by financial resources.
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Lesufi argued that the differences between the IEB and the NSC are superficial, with the pass mark, curriculum, and assessment bodies being the same. He stressed that all teachers are trained from the same source, making the case for a single examination system for all students. “If a certain examination is the best, actually then that best education must be given to all our children, especially the poor. You need quality education for the poor children to be uplifted,” Lesufi asserted. He further challenged the notion that disparities between public and independent schooling systems should warrant different examination systems, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable education approach.
In contrast, education analysts, including Professor Labby Ramrathan and Professor Mary Metcalfe, dismissed the proposal for a unified examination system, citing vast differences between public and independent schooling systems. They underscored the rigorous quality assurance process to ensure that qualifications from different examining bodies, including the IEB exam, are equivalent in standard. The debate over a unified examination system reflects ongoing discussions about equality and access to quality education in South Africa.
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Picture: X / ITNewsAfrica
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