The IFP is not surprised that the Department of Basic Education and Training
is embarking on the competency test for Matric exam markers, this is
acknowledgement of the long held view by the IFP based on various research
findings that most of our teachers are ill qualified and not competent to
teach the subjects they teach.

Therefore the IFP supports the intended rule that Matric exam markers be
subjected to a competency test before being given the task of marking Matric
exam papers.

"It is important that the teachers who mark Matric exam papers be
knowledgeable in the subject fields they mark in order to make sure that
there are no doubts about the legitimacy of the results," said IFP
Spokesperson on Basic Education and Training, Hon. Alfred Mpontshane MP.

"It will also make the marking process easier and quicker. If markers are
teachers who achieve high marks in the competency test, meaning they are
competent in their respective subjects, there will be less consulting by
markers."

Mpontshane also highlighted that "Subjecting teachers to a competency test
before they may become markers, is acting far too late. If they are found to
be incompetent in their subject fields at the end of the year, it proves
they should not have been teaching those subjects throughout the year.

The IFP has repeatedly expressed concern that some teachers are not
competent in their subject fields. Competency tests should not be reserved
for markers, but should be mandatory for teachers at the beginning of the
year as well.

Mpontshane continued, "The need for competency tests has again highlighted
the need for performance agreements. It is unacceptable that unions are
delaying the signing of performance agreements by principals and their
deputies."

The IFP believes the Department of Basic Education and Training should not
be intimidated by SADTU in passing this rule.

"We cannot let our children's Matric exam papers be marked by incompetent
teachers who fail to produce good results in their classrooms, but want to
mark Matric exam papers," said Mpontshane.

"Teachers who want to mark Matric exam papers should not have a problem with
the competency test. If they are sure of their capability, this is the way
to prove it. Matric results are very important to our children's future.
They deserve competent markers," and Mpontshane.