Incompetence and neglect of duty were some of the contributing factors in the late release of matric results, the Education Department said on Monday.
There were also ”systemic issues at a national level, some related to the new computer system being used”.
”The delays were also as a result of a tightening up of the system, and a lack of compliance with the new requirements,” said a task team report, given to the Council of Education Ministers in Johannesburg.
Minister Naledi Pandor shared the findings with provincial ministers in their last scheduled meeting under the current administration.
”The report has been referred to the committee of heads of education to take the necessary follow-up action.”
A report indicated that each of the matters identified would be addressed before the 2009 examinations.
The council said it was confident that this situation would not be repeated.
”The department has apologised to all candidates whose results were delayed, and has appealed to any who feel they have been unduly prejudiced to contact it to see if any redress can be provided.”
The task team report would also be provided to the Office of the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission. — Sapa