Umalusi council members are appointed by the Minister of Education for their professional expertise in education and training. The council is formally mandated to research matters related to the sub-framework of qualifications responsible for the General
and Further Education and Training qualifications. Prof Jita will be playing a governance role in Umalusi as an organisation.
Appointment a recognition of contribution to quality assurance systems
Sharing his sentiments on the appointment, Prof Jita said it was an affirmation of his dedication to delivering quality education in the country. “Being on the council is further recognition of one’s contribution to the quality assurance systems
of the country and an elevation of the role in decision-making. The council, for instance, provides final approval of Grade 12 national results in public and private schools.”
He previously served on one of the Umalusi sub-committees responsible for assessment and standards, also known as the Grade 12 Standardisation Committee.
The sixth council will meet for the first time in September for induction and allocating specific roles to members.
Prof Jita joined the UFS in 2012. In 2014, the University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, launched the SANRAL Chair in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education on the Bloemfontein Campus, and
Prof Jita was appointed as the first SANRAL Chair. In 2017, he was appointed as Dean of Education.