/ 3 September 2013

Teacher union asks for separate Afrikaans exam

Teacher Union Asks For Separate Afrikaans Exam

Speaking on Monday at the 17th headmaster's symposium, Dr Jopie Breed, president of the South African Teachers Union (Satu), said it was considering steps to protect Afrikaans education and the language, the Beeld reported.

Breed said union representatives planned to visit Afrikaner countries of origin to explore the possibility of an internationally recognised matriculation examination.

The idea would be to be proactive, and together with the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), to act to offer an exam to Afrikaans pupils who might not have access to it in future.

"With this step, we are not attempting to oppose the education department. This would merely make an Afrikaans examination available in some provinces where it might be less available in future."

SACAI was working as an independent examination body to gain accreditation with Umalusi, the council for quality assurance in general and further education and training, Breed said. – Sapa