The number of candidates who sat for the IEB’s exams was small compared to those who sat for matric examinations conducted by the department of basic education.
The department had 790,405 candidates who sat for 147 question papers at 7,416 examination centres nationwide. The department also conducted examinations for 212 pupils at correctional facilities.
The IEB said national quality assurance body Umalusi monitored all aspects of the 2019 examination process and declared the results to be fair and valid.
“There is a clear realisation among IEB learners, their parents and teachers that having the knowledge and understanding that lies behind the results on the certificate is far more important and meaningful for success after one’s schooling,” said the board.
The IEB added that all 71 candidates who sat for the Combined Abitur-NSC examinations – a qualification offered by German schools in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria – passed with entry to degree study.
The qualification consists of five subjects assessed by the IEB and seven subjects assessed by the German education authorities.
The board said successful pupils in the Combined Abitur-NSC are recognised by German education authorities for entry to German universities and by SA education authorities for entry to local universities.
“The IEB sees its involvement with this qualification as a means of keeping South African students in touch with global standards and developments.”
