Introduction
As anticipation builds, the release of the 2023 Matric results in South Africa is imminent. Umalusi, the national education quality assurance body, has granted approval for the release scheduled for later this week. In this article, we explore the various ways candidates can access their results and the challenges faced during the examination process.
Quality Assurance Challenges
Printing and Packaging Errors
Umalusi’s chairperson, Yunus Ballim, highlighted concerns over printing and packaging errors in question papers. While emphasizing that these issues did not compromise the overall credibility of the examinations, Ballim urged a stronger focus on quality assurance controls. Some notable challenges included:
- A printing error in the Physical Sciences Paper 2.
- Missing grid lines in a question in the North West.
- Significant printing errors in various subjects in Limpopo.
- Poor translation quality in the Afrikaans-translated version of Geography Paper 1.
- Cultural and political errors in Mathematical Literacy Paper 1 and Mandarin Paper 1.
Candidate Preparation Oversight
Ballim expressed concern over candidates unaware of changes in isiZulu First Additional Language Paper 2, affecting 64 candidates. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is tasked with addressing highlighted compliance and improvement areas by March 15, 2024.
How to Retrieve Your Results
Ministerial Announcement
DBE Minister Angie Motshekga is set to announce the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results on Thursday, January 18, with the general release the following day.
Accessing Results
Candidates have several options to access their results:
Schools or Institutions: Results can be obtained directly from the exam venues after 12:00 PM on release day.
Department of Basic Education Website: Accessible without data charges, candidates can log in using a two-step verification process with their 13-digit ID number and Exam Number.
Online News Websites: Results will be published on various news websites, including News24 and Sowetan.
SMS Service: Candidates can text their exam number to 45856, each SMS costing R1.50.
USSD Code: Dial 12045856# and enter the exam number to receive results via phone, charged at R1.50 per minute.
MatricsMate App: Available on Google Play and Apple App Stores, offering a convenient way to access results.
Additional Information
Major daily newspapers in South Africa will also publish the matric results on January 20, 2023.
In conclusion, as the nation awaits the release of the 2023 Matric results, candidates are encouraged to utilize the various channels available to access their outcomes promptly. The challenges faced during the examination process emphasize the ongoing need for stringent quality assurance measures to ensure fair and accurate assessments.
