By Nkosana Khumalo
The Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, alongside Members of the Executive Council (MECs), will oversee the start of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric exams on Monday, 21 October 2024, at various examination centres across the province. The matric exams, which conclude on 28 November 2024, will see over 45,000 candidates participating across 396 centres.
Free State Department of Education Spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, confirmed this oversight initiative on Sunday, 20 October 2024. He stated, “About 37,461 full-time and 8,118 part-time candidates will sit for exams at 396 centres.” These numbers reflect the continued growth in the number of learners reaching the crucial stage of their academic journey.
The exams will begin with a focus on English papers, as learners will write the following on Monday morning at 9:00 AM:
• English Home Language Paper 3 (HL P3)
• English First Additional Language Paper 3 (FAL P3)
• English Second Additional Language Paper 3 (SAL P3)Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s Monitoring Visit
Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s visit will start at Grassland Secondary School in Bloemfontein at 7:45 AM. During this visit, she is expected to engage with learners, educators, and examination officials to assess the readiness of the centres and provide words of encouragement to the students.
Education MEC Dr MJ Maboya will similarly conduct a visit to Kananelo Secondary School in Kroonstad at 7:45 AM to ensure that all preparations are in place. Both the Premier and MEC Maboya will be joined by various other MECs, mayors, and district officials who will be deployed across the province to monitor the start of the exams.
Monitoring Schedule and Support Structures
The deployment schedule for Premier Letsoha-Mathae and the MECs includes multiple examination centres across different districts in the province, ensuring comprehensive oversight. The Premier’s office has released a detailed schedule of these monitoring visits, which highlights the focus on supporting learners and ensuring that examination processes run smoothly.
This oversight is a part of the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the integrity of the examination process. With strict measures in place for security, the department has emphasised that all stakeholders—including media—must vacate the exam venues by 8:30 AM to maintain an environment conducive to successful exam administration.
Umalusi’s State of Readiness
Umalusi, South Africa’s Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, has declared its readiness to ensure the successful administration of the 2024 NSC exams. In a recent statement, Umalusi CEO, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, confirmed that the examination system is in place to handle the large number of candidates while ensuring compliance with quality standards.
Dr Rakometsi said, “We have reviewed all examination processes, from security of papers to the invigilation and marking processes, and we are satisfied with the measures put in place by the Department of Basic Education and the provincial education departments.” This statement provides assurance that the exams will proceed without significant disruptions, and all necessary preparations have been made to maintain the credibility of the matric examinations.
Umalusi has also indicated that strict measures have been implemented to prevent leaks or irregularities, a crucial step in protecting the integrity of the exams. With over 800,000 learners across the country sitting for the NSC exams, including the 45,000 from the Free State, it is essential that each exam centre complies with national standards.
The Importance of the Matric Exams
The National Senior Certificate exams are the culmination of 12 years of schooling and serve as the gateway to higher education, vocational training, or employment. For the learners, the stakes are high, as their results will determine their future educational and career opportunities.
The Free State has achieved remarkable success in matric results, consistently ranking among the top-performing provinces in South Africa. In 2023, the province recorded a pass rate of over 85%, and there are hopes that the class of 2024 will surpass this achievement.
Security and Integrity of the Examination Process
Security around exam centres will be heightened, with officials from the Department of Education and law enforcement agencies ensuring that examination materials are protected and that learners are not subjected to any undue pressure or irregularities.
Ndaba emphasised, “We have put measures in place to ensure that the exams proceed without any security breaches or incidents that may compromise the process. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and fair examination for every learner.”
The Department’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the exams also includes the deployment of district officials to monitor the invigilation process, ensuring that all policies and procedures are followed to the letter. This focus on security and integrity reflects the provincial government’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in education.
Encouragement to Learners
Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s visit is aimed at motivating learners and encouraging them to remain focused during the exam period.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
_______________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate