Matric Exams
By Lerato Mpembe
The administration of the Matric exams is progressing well, according to Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who praised the resilience of South Africa’s education systems in handling the pressures of the final matric exams. Today marks the 12th day since the matric exams began on 21 October 2024.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, Minister Gwarube provided an update on the NSC exam progress, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges faced by matric candidates across the country. The briefing underscored the Department of Basic Education’s comprehensive measures to safeguard the integrity of the exams, ensuring a fair and supportive experience for every learner.
A Milestone in Education: 58% of NSC Exams Completed
With 104 out of 181 question papers completed by today, the NSC exams have officially crossed the halfway point. Minister Gwarube expressed her delight over the smooth progression of the exams thus far, attributing this to the strength of South Africa’s educational systems.
“These exams mark a critical milestone for our learners, who have spent years working toward this moment, and I am pleased to say that, so far, our systems are holding up well under the pressure,” said Gwarube.
Contingency Plans in Action Amid Disruptions
Despite various disruptions, including strikes, weather-related challenges, and electricity outages, the department has taken proactive steps to ensure learners can complete their exams.
• Taxi Strike in Jan Kemdorp: A taxi strike affected five schools in Jan Kemdorp, but all candidates were able to write their exams.
• Protest Action in Limpopo: Learners in Limpopo faced protest-related challenges, yet, with the support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), they were safely escorted to their examination centres.
• Inclement Weather: Severe weather, including storms in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, temporarily affected exam schedules. The department activated contingency plans, allowing learners to complete their papers without significant delays.
• Load Shedding and Power Outages: Power outages were reported in various regions, but back-up generators enabled candidates to continue with their exams.
Minister Gwarube acknowledged the resilience of the learners and the commitment of teachers and officials who helped ensure that exams proceeded smoothly. “We are leveraging technology to maintain real-time oversight, which enables us to detect any irregularities and address them before they can substantially impact the examination process,” she added.
Ensuring Exam Integrity: Tackling Malpractice Cases
Maintaining the integrity of the NSC exams remains a top priority for the department. Minister Gwarube revealed that a few isolated incidents of exam malpractice had been dealt with swiftly:
• Cellphone and Crib Note Incidents: Confiscations of cellphones and crib notes from a small number of learners are under investigation.
• Impersonation: Two individuals were arrested after attempting to take an exam on behalf of registered candidates.
• Arrest within an Exam Venue: One learner was apprehended during an exam session as a suspect in an armed robbery case.
Minister Gwarube reiterated the department’s commitment to upholding exam standards and credibility. “Our operational systems have been designed to preempt and resolve challenges quickly and effectively. From the distribution of exam papers to the management of security and supervision, our dedicated teams are actively monitoring each phase of the exam process,” she assured.
Adapting to Climate and Environmental Challenges
In the wake of recent environmental challenges, such as heavy storms in Bushbuckridge and floods in the Eastern Cape, the Department of Basic Education swiftly implemented alternative arrangements to minimise disruption to learners.
“In response, the department quickly implemented alternative arrangements, including the use of alternative venues and the rescheduling of exams to later dates,” said Gwarube. These measures, made in collaboration with local authorities, underscore the department’s commitment to providing equitable examination opportunities, even under adverse conditions.
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