SA-SAMS Complete User Guide: Step-by-Step for School Administrators

If you’re a South African school administrator looking for a comprehensive SA-SAMS how to use guide, you’ve come to the right place. SA-SAMS (South African School Administration and Management System) is the Department of Basic Education’s official administration software used by over 85% of public schools nationwide. While it’s mandatory for DBE compliance and LURITS submissions, many administrators struggle with its complex interface and frequent technical issues.

This step-by-step SA-SAMS tutorial covers everything you need to know: logging in, registering learners, capturing attendance, recording assessments, generating reports, and syncing data with provincial databases. Whether you’re a new administrator learning SA-SAMS for the first time or an experienced user troubleshooting common problems, this guide provides clear, actionable instructions based on real-world school administration scenarios.

We’ll also cover the most common SA-SAMS issues schools face in 2026—from sync failures to assessment patch delays—and provide practical solutions. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to navigate SA-SAMS confidently and maintain compliance with DBE requirements, even when the system isn’t cooperating.

Understanding SA-SAMS: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the step-by-step procedures, it’s helpful to understand what SA-SAMS is and why schools use it:

SA-SAMS is a free, Windows-based school administration system developed by the Department of Basic Education. It’s designed to help schools manage learner data, capture assessments, generate report cards, and submit compliance reports to provincial education departments. The system integrates with LURITS (Learner Unit Record Information Tracking System), the DBE’s central learner database.

Why schools use SA-SAMS:

• Mandatory for DBE compliance and EMIS (Education Management Information System) submissions
• Required for LURITS learner registration and tracking
• Free to use (no licensing costs)
• Integrated with provincial education department databases
• Used for generating official report cards and progress reports

Common challenges:

• Complex, non-intuitive interface requiring extensive training
• Frequent sync failures and connectivity issues
• Delayed assessment patches that prevent report card generation
• No offline capability (requires constant internet connection)
• Limited technical support from provincial helpdesks

Despite these challenges, SA-SAMS remains the primary compliance tool for South African public schools. This guide will help you navigate it effectively.

How to Log Into SA-SAMS

Logging into SA-SAMS is your first step every day. Here’s how to access the system:

Step 1: Launch SA-SAMS

1. Locate the SA-SAMS icon on your desktop or in the Start menu
2. Double-click to launch the application
3. Wait for the SA-SAMS login screen to appear (this may take 30–60 seconds if the system is checking for updates)

Note: If SA-SAMS doesn’t launch, check that:

• Your computer meets the minimum system requirements (Windows 7 or later)
• SA-SAMS is properly installed (contact your school’s IT administrator if needed)
• You have administrator rights on the computer (required for some SA-SAMS functions)

Step 2: Enter Your Credentials

1. Username: Enter your SA-SAMS username (usually provided by your school administrator or provincial IT department)
2. Password: Enter your password
3. School Code: Select your school from the dropdown list (or enter your school’s EMIS number if prompted)

Important: Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive. Ensure Caps Lock is off and enter credentials exactly as provided.

Step 3: Select Your Role

After entering credentials, SA-SAMS may prompt you to select your role:

• Administrator: Full access to all modules
• Teacher: Limited access (usually marks, attendance, and learner lists)
• Clerk: Administrative functions only (no assessment access)

Select the appropriate role based on your job function.

Step 4: Connect to Database

SA-SAMS will attempt to connect to your school’s local database and sync with provincial servers:

1. Wait for the connection process to complete (may take 1–2 minutes)
2. If you see “Connecting to server…” for more than 5 minutes, there may be connectivity issues (see troubleshooting section below)
3. Once connected, you’ll see the SA-SAMS main dashboard

Troubleshooting Login Issues

Problem: “Invalid username or password”

• Solution: Verify your credentials with your school administrator. Passwords may expire or be reset by provincial IT departments.

Problem: “Cannot connect to database”

• Solution: Check your internet connection. SA-SAMS requires connectivity to sync with provincial servers. If offline, you may need to work in offline mode (contact your IT administrator for setup).

Problem: “School code not found”

• Solution: Verify your school’s EMIS number is correct. Contact your provincial education department if your school isn’t listed.

Problem: SA-SAMS freezes during login

• Solution: Close SA-SAMS completely (use Task Manager if necessary) and restart. If the problem persists, restart your computer and try again.

How to Register a New Learner in SA-SAMS

Registering learners is one of the most critical SA-SAMS functions. Follow these steps to register a new learner and obtain their LURITS number:

Step 1: Navigate to Learner Registration

1. From the SA-SAMS main menu, click “Learners”
2. Select “New Learner” → “Register New Learner”

Alternatively, navigate via: Administration → Learner Management → Add New Learner

Step 2: Enter Personal Information

Fill in the learner’s personal details exactly as they appear on their birth certificate or ID:

1. Surname: Enter the learner’s surname (family name)
2. First Names: Enter all first names as they appear on official documents
3. Date of Birth: Use format DD/MM/YYYY (e.g., 15/03/2010)
4. Gender: Select Male, Female, or Other
5. ID Number: Enter the 13-digit South African ID number (if available)
6. Passport Number: For foreign nationals, enter passport number and country

Critical: Names must match birth certificates exactly. Discrepancies cause LURITS registration failures.

Step 3: Enter Contact Details

1. Physical Address: Enter street address, suburb, city, postal code
2. Postal Address: If different from physical address
3. Parent/Guardian Name: Full name of primary contact
4. Parent/Guardian ID: 13-digit ID number
5. Contact Numbers: Cell phone and landline (if available)
6. Email Address: If available

Step 4: Enter Educational Information

1. Grade: Select from Grade R through Grade 12
2. Class: Select the specific class/stream
3. Home Language: Select from dropdown (e.g., isiZulu, Afrikaans, English, Sesotho)
4. Previous School: If transferring, enter previous school name and EMIS number
5. Previous LURITS Number: If learner already has a LURITS number, enter it here

Step 5: Submit for LURITS Registration

1. Review all information for accuracy
2. Click “Save” or “Register Learner”
3. SA-SAMS will:
   • Validate information against the LURITS database
   • Check for duplicate records
   • Generate a new LURITS number (for new learners) or retrieve existing one (for transfers)
   • Display the assigned LURITS number on screen

Step 6: Verify Registration

1. Navigate to Learners → Learner List
2. Search for the newly registered learner
3. Open their profile and verify:
   • LURITS number appears (13-digit number)
   • All personal information is correct
   • Grade and class assignment is accurate

Note: If the LURITS number doesn’t appear immediately, wait a few minutes and refresh. If it’s still missing after 24 hours, see troubleshooting section below.

For detailed LURITS registration procedures, see our Complete Guide to LURITS Numbers.

How to Capture Attendance in SA-SAMS

Daily attendance capture is essential for DBE compliance and learner tracking. Here’s how to record attendance in SA-SAMS:

Step 1: Navigate to Attendance Module

1. From the main menu, click “Attendance”
2. Select “Daily Attendance” → “Capture Attendance”

Step 2: Select Date and Class

1. Date: Select the date for attendance (defaults to today)
2. Grade: Select the grade
3. Class: Select the specific class
4. Click “Load Learners” to display the class list

Step 3: Mark Attendance Status

For each learner, select their attendance status:

• Present: Learner is in class
• Absent: Learner is absent (no reason required for daily capture)
• Late: Learner arrived late (select time if prompted)
• Excused: Learner is absent with valid excuse (e.g., medical appointment)

Quick tip: Use keyboard shortcuts if available:

• P for Present
• A for Absent
• L for Late

Step 4: Enter Absence Reasons (If Required)

For absent learners, you may need to enter absence reasons:

1. Click on the absent learner’s row
2. Select reason from dropdown:
   • Illness
   • Family emergency
   • Other (with explanation)
3. Some provinces require absence reasons for all absences; others only for extended absences

Step 5: Save Attendance

1. Review attendance entries for accuracy
2. Click “Save” or “Save Attendance”
3. SA-SAMS will confirm: “Attendance saved successfully”

Important: Save attendance daily. SA-SAMS may not allow backdating beyond a certain period (usually 7–14 days, depending on provincial settings).

Step 6: Generate Attendance Reports

To view attendance summaries:

1. Navigate to Reports → Attendance Reports
2. Select report type:
   • Daily Attendance Report: Shows who was present/absent on a specific date
   • Monthly Attendance Summary: Shows attendance percentages for the month
   • Term Attendance Report: Shows attendance for the entire term
3. Select date range and class
4. Click “Generate Report”

Troubleshooting Attendance Issues

Problem: Cannot backdate attendance

• Solution: SA-SAMS limits backdating. Contact your provincial helpdesk if you need to enter historical attendance beyond the allowed period.

Problem: Attendance not saving

• Solution: Check internet connection. SA-SAMS requires connectivity to save data. If offline, save locally and sync when connectivity is restored.

Problem: Wrong class list appearing

• Solution: Verify class assignments in Learner Management. Learners must be assigned to the correct class before attendance can be captured.

How to Record Assessments and Marks in SA-SAMS

Capturing assessments and marks is critical for report card generation. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Ensure Assessment Patches Are Installed

Before capturing marks, verify that SA-SAMS assessment patches are up to date:

1. Navigate to Administration → System Updates → Check for Updates
2. If updates are available, install them before capturing marks
3. Critical: Without current assessment patches, you cannot generate report cards

Note: Assessment patches are released by the DBE before each term. If patches are delayed (a common SA-SAMS problem in 2026), you may need to wait or use alternative methods.

Step 2: Navigate to Assessment Capture

1. From the main menu, click “Assessments”
2. Select “Capture Marks” → “Subject Marks”

Step 3: Select Assessment Parameters

1. Term: Select Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, or Annual
2. Grade: Select the grade
3. Class: Select the specific class
4. Subject: Select the subject (e.g., Mathematics, English Home Language)
5. Assessment Type: Select the assessment type:
   • Formal Assessment: Tests, exams, projects (weighted marks)
   • Informal Assessment: Classwork, homework (may not be weighted)
   • Practical Assessment: For subjects requiring practical components

Step 4: Enter Marks for Each Learner

1. SA-SAMS will display the class list with mark entry fields
2. For each learner, enter:
   • Mark Obtained: The raw mark (e.g., 75 out of 100)
   • Total Marks: The total possible marks (e.g., 100)
   • Percentage: SA-SAMS may calculate this automatically
   • Date: Date of assessment
   • Comments: Optional teacher comments

Important:

• Marks must align with CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) requirements
• Ensure marks are entered as percentages or raw scores according to your school’s policy
• Double-check mark entries before saving (errors are difficult to correct later)

Step 5: Weight Assessments (If Required)

For formal assessments, you may need to assign weights:

1. Click “Assessment Weighting” or “Set Weights”
2. Assign percentage weights to each assessment type:
   • Test 1: 25%
   • Test 2: 25%
   • Exam: 50%
3. Ensure weights total 100%

Note: Weighting requirements vary by subject and grade. Consult your school’s assessment policy or provincial guidelines.

Step 6: Save Marks

1. Review all mark entries for accuracy
2. Click “Save” or “Save Marks”
3. SA-SAMS will validate marks and display any errors:
   • Marks outside valid range (usually 0–100)
   • Missing marks for required assessments
   • Invalid assessment dates

Step 7: Verify Mark Capture

1. Navigate to Reports → Assessment Reports → Mark Sheet
2. Select term, grade, class, and subject
3. Verify that all marks appear correctly
4. Check that calculated percentages and term averages are accurate

Troubleshooting Assessment Issues

Problem: “Assessment patch not installed”

• Solution: Install the latest assessment patch from the DBE. If patches are delayed, contact your provincial helpdesk. Schools often experience delayed assessment patches that prevent report card generation.

Problem: Cannot enter marks for a specific subject

• Solution: Verify that the subject is assigned to the class in Administration → Subject Management. Subjects must be configured before marks can be captured.

Problem: Marks not calculating correctly

• Solution: Check assessment weights. Ensure weights total 100% and that all required assessments have marks entered.

Problem: Cannot backdate assessments

• Solution: SA-SAMS limits backdating. If you need to enter historical marks, contact your provincial helpdesk for assistance.

How to Generate Report Cards in SA-SAMS

Report card generation is one of SA-SAMS’s most important functions. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify Prerequisites

Before generating report cards, ensure:

1. All marks are captured: Complete mark capture for all subjects and assessments
2. Assessment patches are current: Latest patches must be installed
3. Attendance is up to date: Term attendance should be captured
4. Learner information is complete: Personal details, LURITS numbers, and class assignments must be accurate

Step 2: Navigate to Report Card Generation

1. From the main menu, click “Reports”
2. Select “Report Cards” → “Generate Report Cards”

Step 3: Select Report Card Parameters

1. Term: Select Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, or Annual
2. Grade: Select the grade (or “All Grades” for school-wide generation)
3. Class: Select specific class or “All Classes”
4. Report Card Template: Select your school’s approved template (usually provided by provincial department)

Note: Report card templates vary by province and must comply with CAPS requirements. Ensure you’re using the correct template for your province.

Step 4: Configure Report Card Options

1. Include Comments: Select whether to include teacher comments
2. Include Attendance: Select whether to include term attendance summary
3. Include Behavioural Indicators: If required by your province
4. Print Format: Select A4 or other format as required
5. Language: Select language for report cards (if multilingual options available)

Step 5: Generate Report Cards

1. Click “Generate” or “Generate Report Cards”
2. SA-SAMS will:
   • Validate all marks and data
   • Calculate term averages and percentages
   • Apply CAPS rating codes (if applicable)
   • Generate report cards for each learner
3. Processing may take 5–15 minutes for large classes or entire schools

Important: Do not close SA-SAMS during report card generation. Interrupting the process may corrupt data.

Step 6: Review Generated Report Cards

1. After generation, SA-SAMS will display a preview or list of generated report cards
2. Review sample report cards for:
   • Accuracy of marks and percentages
   • Correct CAPS rating codes
   • Proper formatting
   • Complete learner information
3. If errors are found, correct marks/data and regenerate

Step 7: Print Report Cards

1. Select learners whose report cards you want to print
2. Click “Print” or “Print Selected”
3. Configure printer settings:
   • Paper size (usually A4)
   • Orientation (portrait or landscape)
   • Number of copies
4. Print report cards

Alternative: Export report cards to PDF:

1. Click “Export to PDF”
2. Save PDFs to a designated folder
3. Distribute electronically or print as needed

Troubleshooting Report Card Issues

Problem: “Cannot generate report cards - assessment patch required”

• Solution: Install the latest assessment patch. This is a common SA-SAMS problem in 2026 that delays report card generation. Contact your provincial helpdesk if patches are delayed.

Problem: Report cards show incorrect marks

• Solution: Verify mark capture is complete and accurate. Regenerate report cards after correcting marks.

Problem: CAPS rating codes not appearing

• Solution: Ensure assessment patches include CAPS rating code updates. Verify rating code configuration in Administration → Assessment Settings.

Problem: Report cards fail to generate

• Solution: Check for missing marks, incomplete learner data, or connectivity issues. Review error messages for specific problems.

How to Generate Compliance Reports in SA-SAMS

Schools must submit various compliance reports to provincial education departments. Here’s how to generate them:

EMIS (Education Management Information System) Reports

EMIS reports are submitted termly and annually:

1. Navigate to Reports → EMIS Reports
2. Select report type:
   • Term 1 EMIS Submission
   • Term 2 EMIS Submission
   • Term 3 EMIS Submission
   • Annual EMIS Submission
3. Select date range and verify data
4. Click “Generate” to create the export file
5. Submit the exported file to your provincial EMIS office (usually via email or online portal)

Deadlines:

• Term 1: End of March
• Term 2: End of June
• Term 3: End of September
• Annual: End of October

LURITS Verification Reports

Verify learner LURITS numbers before EMIS submissions:

1. Navigate to Reports → Learner Reports → LURITS Verification
2. Select grade(s) or class(es) to verify
3. Click “Generate Report”
4. Review for:
   • Missing LURITS numbers
   • Invalid LURITS numbers
   • Duplicate records
5. Correct errors before EMIS submission

For detailed LURITS procedures, see our Complete Guide to LURITS Numbers.

Attendance Summary Reports

Generate term attendance summaries:

1. Navigate to Reports → Attendance Reports → Term Summary
2. Select term and grade/class
3. Generate report showing:
   • Total days present/absent per learner
   • Attendance percentages
   • Days of absence by reason

Assessment Summary Reports

Generate assessment summaries for SGB or departmental reviews:

1. Navigate to Reports → Assessment Reports → Subject Summary
2. Select term, grade, and subject
3. Generate report showing:
   • Class averages
   • Pass/fail rates
   • Distribution of marks

How to Sync SA-SAMS Data with Provincial Databases

Data synchronisation is critical for maintaining accurate records and DBE compliance. Here’s how to sync:

Automatic Sync (Default)

SA-SAMS attempts automatic sync when:

• You log in
• You save data (marks, attendance, learner records)
• You close SA-SAMS

Monitor sync status: Look for sync indicators in the SA-SAMS status bar (usually bottom-right corner):

• Green: Sync successful
• Yellow: Sync in progress
• Red: Sync failed

Manual Sync

To manually sync data:

1. Navigate to Administration → Data Sync → Manual Sync
2. Select sync type:
   • Full Sync: Syncs all data (takes longer)
   • Learner Data Sync: Syncs learner registrations and updates
   • Assessment Sync: Syncs marks and assessments
   • Attendance Sync: Syncs attendance records
3. Click “Sync Now”
4. Wait for sync to complete (may take 5–30 minutes depending on data volume)
5. Review sync report for errors or warnings

Troubleshooting Sync Failures

Problem: “Sync failed - cannot connect to server”

• Solution:
  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify SA-SAMS can access external websites
  3. Check firewall settings (contact IT administrator)
  4. Try syncing during off-peak hours (provincial servers may be busy during peak times)

Problem: “Sync failed - data conflict”

• Solution:
  1. Review sync error report for specific conflicts
  2. Resolve conflicts manually (usually duplicate records or mismatched data)
  3. Re-sync after resolving conflicts

Problem: Partial sync (some data synced, some failed)

• Solution:
  1. Review sync report to identify failed items
  2. Correct errors (missing LURITS numbers, invalid data formats)
  3. Re-sync failed items only

Problem: Sync takes too long or freezes

• Solution:
  1. Ensure stable internet connection
  2. Close other applications to free up system resources
  3. Try syncing smaller batches (by grade or class)
  4. Contact provincial helpdesk if problem persists

Sync failures are among the most common SA-SAMS problems in 2026, often caused by connectivity issues, server downtime, or data conflicts.

Common SA-SAMS Issues and Solutions

Even experienced administrators encounter SA-SAMS problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Issue 1: SA-SAMS Runs Slowly or Freezes

Symptoms: System is slow to respond, freezes during operations, takes long to load screens.

Solutions:

1. Close unnecessary applications: SA-SAMS is resource-intensive. Close other programs.
2. Restart SA-SAMS: Close completely and restart (use Task Manager if frozen).
3. Clear temporary files: Navigate to SA-SAMS installation folder and delete temp files (backup first).
4. Check database size: Large databases slow performance. Archive old data if possible.
5. Upgrade hardware: SA-SAMS requires adequate RAM and processing power. Consider hardware upgrades.

Issue 2: Cannot Generate Report Cards

Symptoms: Report card generation fails, error messages about missing patches or data.

Solutions:

1. Install assessment patches: Ensure latest patches are installed before report card season.
2. Verify all marks are captured: Complete mark capture for all subjects and assessments.
3. Check learner data completeness: Ensure LURITS numbers and personal information are complete.
4. Regenerate after corrections: Correct errors and regenerate report cards.
5. Contact provincial helpdesk: If patches are delayed (common problem), escalate to helpdesk.

Issue 3: Learner Data Disappears After Sync

Symptoms: Learner records, marks, or attendance disappear after syncing with provincial database.

Solutions:

1. Restore from backup: If you maintain regular backups, restore lost data.
2. Check sync report: Review sync errors to identify what was lost and why.
3. Re-enter data manually: If no backup, re-enter lost data (time-consuming but necessary).
4. Contact provincial helpdesk: Report data loss immediately—they may be able to restore from provincial backups.
5. Prevent future loss: Maintain regular backups and verify sync reports before accepting sync results.

Issue 4: Cannot Register Foreign Learners

Symptoms: Foreign learners cannot be registered, LURITS numbers not assigned, system errors.

Solutions:

1. Use passport number field: Enter passport number instead of SA ID number.
2. Enter country of origin: Ensure country is selected in learner profile.
3. Contact provincial EMIS office: Foreign learner registration may require special procedures.
4. Verify documentation: Ensure all required documents (passport, study permit) are available.

Issue 5: Assessment Patches Not Installing

Symptoms: Patches download but fail to install, error messages during installation.

Solutions:

1. Run as administrator: Right-click SA-SAMS installer and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Close SA-SAMS: Ensure SA-SAMS is completely closed before installing patches.
3. Check disk space: Ensure adequate free disk space for patch installation.
4. Disable antivirus temporarily: Antivirus may block patch installation (re-enable after installation).
5. Contact provincial helpdesk: If patches consistently fail to install, escalate to helpdesk.

Issue 6: SA-SAMS Works Offline But Won’t Sync

Symptoms: Can capture data offline, but sync fails when connectivity is restored.

Solutions:

1. Verify connectivity: Test internet connection and SA-SAMS server access.
2. Check sync settings: Verify sync configuration in Administration → Data Sync → Settings.
3. Resolve data conflicts: Offline changes may conflict with provincial data—resolve conflicts manually.
4. Try manual sync: Use manual sync instead of automatic sync.
5. Contact provincial helpdesk: Persistent sync failures may indicate server-side issues.

For more detailed troubleshooting, see our guide to SA-SAMS Problems in 2026.

Best Practices for SA-SAMS Administration

Follow these best practices to minimise problems and maintain compliance:

1. Maintain Regular Backups

• Backup frequency: Weekly backups minimum, daily during peak periods (report card season)
• Backup location: Store backups on external drives or cloud storage (not on same computer as SA-SAMS)
• Test backups: Periodically restore backups to verify they work
• Retention: Keep backups for at least 7 years per SASA requirements

2. Keep Assessment Patches Current

• Monitor patch releases: Check DBE or provincial websites for patch announcements
• Install promptly: Install patches as soon as they’re released (don’t wait until report card season)
• Test after installation: Verify system functions correctly after patch installation
• Document patch versions: Keep records of installed patches for troubleshooting

3. Verify Data Before Syncing

• Review sync reports: Always review sync reports before accepting sync results
• Resolve conflicts: Address data conflicts before re-syncing
• Verify LURITS numbers: Ensure all learners have valid LURITS numbers before EMIS submissions
• Check data completeness: Verify marks, attendance, and learner data are complete

4. Train Staff Regularly

• Initial training: Ensure all staff using SA-SAMS receive proper training
• Ongoing training: Provide refresher training when SA-SAMS updates or procedures change
• Document procedures: Maintain written procedures for common tasks
• Designate experts: Have at least one SA-SAMS expert on staff who can troubleshoot issues

5. Document Everything

• Keep records: Document all SA-SAMS issues, sync failures, and resolutions
• Maintain logs: Keep logs of patch installations, sync attempts, and error messages
• Report problems: Report persistent issues to provincial helpdesk (keep ticket numbers)
• Track compliance: Maintain records of EMIS submissions and compliance deadlines

6. Have a Backup Plan

• Don’t rely solely on SA-SAMS: Have alternative methods for critical functions (spreadsheets, paper records)
• Test alternatives: Ensure backup methods work before you need them
• Consider modern alternatives: Evaluate systems like Fundisa that sync with SA-SAMS automatically, reducing dependence on SA-SAMS reliability

How Fundisa Simplifies SA-SAMS Administration

Managing SA-SAMS manually is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with sync failures, patch delays, and connectivity issues. Fundisa syncs with SA-SAMS automatically, allowing you to work in a modern, intuitive interface while maintaining full DBE compliance.

Automatic SA-SAMS Synchronisation

Fundisa includes bidirectional sync with SA-SAMS:

• Capture data once: Enter learner data, marks, and attendance in Fundisa
• Automatic sync: Data flows to SA-SAMS automatically in the correct format
• No double entry: Work in one system, compliance happens automatically
• Offline capability: Fundisa works offline during load-shedding, then syncs when connectivity returns

Modern Features SA-SAMS Lacks

Fundisa provides features SA-SAMS doesn’t offer:

• WhatsApp parent communication: Send messages, report cards, and fee reminders via WhatsApp (no app downloads required)
• Online fee collection: Parents pay school fees online via secure payment gateway
• Mobile access: Access Fundisa from smartphones and tablets (SA-SAMS is desktop-only)
• Intuitive interface: Modern design reduces training time and user errors
• Real-time collaboration: Multiple staff can work simultaneously without conflicts

Reduced Dependence on SA-SAMS Reliability

When SA-SAMS is down or patches are delayed:

• Fundisa continues working: Capture marks, generate report cards, manage learners normally
• Sync when ready: Data syncs to SA-SAMS automatically when it becomes available
• No waiting: Don’t wait for DBE patches or helpdesk responses

Learn more about Fundisa or explore SA-SAMS alternatives if you’re considering a modern school management system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I sync SA-SAMS data?

Sync daily, or at minimum weekly. During peak periods (report card season, EMIS submission deadlines), sync multiple times per day to ensure data is current. Always verify sync reports for errors before considering sync complete.

What should I do if SA-SAMS is down during report card season?

If SA-SAMS is unavailable during critical periods, you have limited options:

1. Wait for system restoration: Contact provincial helpdesk for estimated restoration time
2. Use backup methods: Capture marks in spreadsheets or paper records, then re-enter when SA-SAMS returns
3. Consider alternatives: Schools using systems like Fundisa can continue generating report cards and sync to SA-SAMS when it becomes available

This is a common SA-SAMS problem in 2026 that highlights the importance of having backup systems.

Can I use SA-SAMS offline?

SA-SAMS requires internet connectivity for most functions, including syncing and LURITS registration. Some functions may work offline temporarily, but data must sync eventually. If your school experiences frequent connectivity issues, consider systems like Fundisa that offer true offline capability.

How do I know if my assessment patches are up to date?

Navigate to Administration → System Updates → Check for Updates. SA-SAMS will display your current patch version and available updates. You can also check DBE or provincial education department websites for patch release announcements. Always install patches before capturing marks for a new term.

What happens if I make a mistake entering marks?

Marks can usually be corrected in SA-SAMS, but the process varies:

• Before saving: Simply correct the mark and save again
• After saving: Navigate to the mark entry screen, locate the incorrect mark, edit it, and save
• After report card generation: You may need to regenerate report cards after correcting marks
• After sync: Corrections become more complex—contact provincial helpdesk if marks have already synced incorrectly

Always double-check marks before saving to avoid correction headaches.

---

Ready to reduce your dependence on SA-SAMS while maintaining full DBE compliance? Fundisa syncs with SA-SAMS automatically — less manual work, fewer sync failures, and modern features SA-SAMS doesn’t offer. Work in one intuitive system, and compliance happens automatically. No double entry, no waiting for patches, no sync failures.