Question NW969 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training

Reply:

No formal disciplinary processes have been implemented to date, however the sanction of not paying the claims is effected. It is incorrect to state that the Department blames the delays in the payment of examination markers on questionable claim forms.

If Hon Mr D America (DA) is able to provide me with the names of markers who are contesting their payments, I will request the Department to look into the matter.

An analysis of the claims received reveals some of the types of misrepresentation as:

• Inflation of kilometres travelled;
• Dates and time on the claim form and attendance register do not correspond;
• Three officials travel in one car and all three claim for the total distance travelled;
• One marker pays for three people sharing a room at a guesthouse but all three claim the total invoice amount for the accommodation;
• Hours worked or scripts marked are inflated; and
• One marker marks at more than one marking centre.

With regards to the processing of claim forms, the following should be noted:

• All claims are processed in accordance with the approved Travel Policy of the Department;
• All distances claimed are verified using Google maps, questionable accommodation invoices are verified and all claims are checked against attendance registers and log sheets to check the number of scripts marked; and
• Claims are returned to marking centres if discrepancies are found, which prolongs the payment of claims.

The following interventions have been implemented:

• The national examinations function embarked on a road show to support markers in the correct procedures to complete claim forms;
• A Deputy Marking Centre Manager: Claims has been appointed at each marking centre to ensure claims are filled in correctly;
• A capturing tool has been developed to capture the claims at the marking centre to speed up the turnaround time for payment;
• Marking centres are monitored by national examinations officials during marking sessions to ensure that claims are correctly processed; and
• Examination Assistants are appointed during the processing of claims to assist with the verification of claims to expedite the process.

The turnaround time for payment is between 30 - 40 days after receipt of correctly completed claim forms.

The Department will be amending the examinations policy to provide for disciplinary actions or the charging markers and other personnel with fraud. This will formalise sanctions such as the blacklisting of markers found guilty of submitting fraudulent claims.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS: Ms N Pote/Mr FY Patel

EXT: 5458

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

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QUESTION 969 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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