Pretoria, South Africa – In a momentous event held in Pretoria, Umalusi, South Africa’s education quality assurance council, bestowed accreditation certificates upon 54 distinguished institutions during the Accreditation Forum and Certificate Award Ceremony. The ceremony, a testament to the commitment to excellence in education, was graced by approximately 700 delegates, including representatives from 50 independent schools, four private colleges, and Umalusi officials.
Dr. Mafu Rakometsi, CEO of Umalusi, expressed profound gratitude to the institutions for their dedication to providing quality education. He urged them to maintain their high standards even after receiving their accreditation certificates.
The breakdown of the accredited institutions reveals a diverse landscape of educational offerings. Among the 50 independent schools awarded accreditation certificates, various grade levels are covered:
- 10 institutions are authorized to offer Grades 1 – 7.
- Six institutions are approved for Grades 1 – 9.
- 22 institutions are equipped to provide education from Grades 1 – 12.
- One institution is specialized in Grades 4 – 12.
- Nine institutions cater to Grades 8 – 12.
- Two institutions focus on Grades 10-12.
Additionally, four private colleges received accreditation for their specialized programs:
- One college is accredited to offer NC(V) Levels 2-4 in Information Technology and Computer Sciences.
- Two colleges are designated to provide N1-N3 Engineering Studies.
- One college is authorized to deliver GETC: ABET at NQF Level 1.
Reflecting on the evolving role of educators in the digital age, Professor Yunus Ballim, Chairperson of Umalusi Council, posed a poignant question: “If information is readily available to students, what is our compelling argument as teachers to encourage daily attendance?”
The comprehensive list of accredited institutions, including their full names, accreditation numbers, and addresses, can be accessed in the official Umalusi newsletter, Makoya. Furthermore, for the public’s convenience, a complete directory of Umalusi-accredited institutions is available on the Accredited Private Education Institutions website (umalusi-online.org.za). It is emphasized that individuals verify the accreditation status of institutions to avoid potential risks associated with unaccredited entities.
The accreditation ceremony marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s educational landscape, affirming the commitment to providing quality education and ensuring the integrity of academic institutions across the nation.
