Inconsistent Examination Fee from SACAI and UCTOHS

This is a formal complaint regarding the administration of the Visual Arts examinations scheduled from 29 September to 3 October in Port Elizabeth. The circumstances surrounding the invoicing of parents are highly irregular, financially burdensome, and lack the transparency expected from both UCTOHS and SACAI.

Parents have received drastically inconsistent invoices for invigilation fees from the appointed chief invigilator, Ms. Hendrina Johanna van Zyl. Amounts have ranged from R7,500 to R6,500 and as low as R4,300 for a single subject. Such disparities cannot be justified and constitute unfair and unequal treatment of candidates within the same province. In contrast, parents in other provinces are paying a consistent fee of approximately R710, which covers both venue and invigilation. The Port Elizabeth venue itself is of an average standard and does not warrant the excessive fees being demanded.

In March, parents were instructed by UCTOHS and SACAI to budget between R11,600 and R14,000, with the clear understanding that these payments would cover examination-related costs, including invigilation and venue hire. The introduction of additional charges at this stage is therefore unreasonable and suggests either mismanagement or misrepresentation of costs. Further, UCTOHS and SACAI have each attempted to shift responsibility to the other, leaving parents without accountability or clarity.

There is also a serious concern regarding the integrity of the invigilation process. Correspondence has referred not only to Hendrina Johanna van Zyl but also to Marthinus Johannes van Zyl and Tiaan van Zyl. The involvement of multiple individuals bearing the same surname raises a legitimate suspicion of conflict of interest and the operation of what appears to be a family-run arrangement, rather than a transparent and professional appointment of a chief invigilator.

This matter places an unjust and unsustainable financial strain on families who have already made significant payments in good faith earlier this year. The lack of transparency, accountability, and consistency contravenes the principles of fairness that should govern all national examinations.

We therefore request urgent intervention and a full investigation into:

The basis upon which these varying invoices have been issued in Port Elizabeth.

Why parents in this province are subject to fees that are vastly disproportionate to those in other provinces.

The appointment process and role of the individuals named as invigilators.

The failure of UCTOHS and SACAI to provide transparent, consistent communication regarding examination costs.

If this issue is not addressed with immediate effect, parents in Port Elizabeth will be left with no option but to escalate the matter formally, including through legal channels, to ensure accountability and fairness