Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, joined Umalusi in Pretoria on 5 June 2026 for the 6th Umalusi Council Farewell Dinner, where the achievements and legacy of the outgoing Sixth Umalusi Council were celebrated and recognised.
The gathering provided an opportunity to acknowledge the Council’s leadership, commitment, and dedication to strengthening quality assurance across South Africa’s education and training sector. It also coincided with Umalusi’s 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.
Addressing guests, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, expressed his gratitude to Council members for their dedication to ensuring that Umalusi continued to fulfil its legislative mandate, governance responsibilities, and quality assurance functions. He commended the Council for its role in upholding the integrity, credibility, and standards of qualifications in South Africa.
Dr Rakometsi highlighted the collective efforts of Council members in providing strategic leadership and oversight whilst promoting sound governance and meaningful engagement on matters affecting the organisation and the broader education sector. He noted that their commitment had contributed significantly to strengthening Umalusi as a trusted quality assurance body. He also thanked Minister Gwarube and the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education for their continued support and guidance, noting that their presence at the event reflected a shared commitment to educational excellence and quality learning outcomes for all South Africans.
Delivering a farewell message, Minister Gwarube reflected on Umalusi’s critical role in safeguarding the quality, credibility, and integrity of South Africa’s education system. She commended the outgoing Sixth Umalusi Council for its leadership, oversight, and unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards in education and training. The Minister underscored the importance of strong and independent quality assurance institutions in ensuring public confidence in South Africa’s qualifications and examination systems. She acknowledged the Council’s contribution to protecting the credibility of the National Senior Certificate, strengthening governance structures, and providing strategic direction during a period of significant change within the education sector.
Minister Gwarube further recognised Umalusi’s continued work in quality assurance, research, benchmarking, and certification, noting that these functions help ensure that South African qualifications remain respected and recognised both locally and internationally. Congratulating the outgoing Council on a successful term, the Minister thanked members for their dedicated service and for leaving behind a stronger institution with robust systems and a solid foundation upon which future councils can build. She reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing quality education and ensuring that every learner has access to credible and meaningful educational opportunities.
As part of the evening’s proceedings, members of the outgoing Sixth Umalusi Council were presented with certificates in recognition of their dedicated service and contribution to advancing quality assurance in South Africa’s education and training sector. The certificates acknowledged the Council’s commitment to upholding the credibility, integrity and standards of education qualifications whilst providing strategic leadership and oversight throughout its term of office.
The farewell dinner served as both a celebration of the Council’s achievements and a moment of reflection on the enduring impact of its work. As the Sixth Umalusi Council concludes its term, its legacy of leadership, sound governance and commitment to educational excellence will continue to shape and strengthen quality assurance in South Africa’s education and training landscape.