KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reassured the public that the province is ready to administer the upcoming 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The exams are set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024.
Briefing media on the province’s preparations for the exams on Thursday, Ntuli said a total of 172 433 full-time and 34 986 part-time candidates are set to sit for their final exams.
Joined by officials from the provincial Education Department, Ntuli said the 2024 academic year kicked off with the momentum of an 86% pass rate achieved by the Class of 2023, which made KwaZulu-Natal the second-best performing province.
Ntuli reiterated that this year’s goal was not only to maintain last year’s results, but to reach a 100% target.
Comprehensive preparation for 2024 NSC
The Premier outlined the measures taken by the province to ensure the Class of 2024 is ready for the exams. They include the 2024 Academic Improvement Plan aimed at increasing the pass rate from 86% to a minimum
of 90%, with the ambition of achieving 100%.
‘Winter and Spring Programmes were highlighted as key interventions, with over 98 975 learners participating in Winter Camps held across 1 001 centres. These programmes helped learners revise, practice past papers, and overcome subject-related challenges,’ Ntuli said.
He said final weekend tuition sessions were also held across the province to ensure learners were fully prepared ahead of the examinations.
Thirty-two marking centres set up
Ntuli shared detailed logistical arrangements, which include the printing of 120 question papers, totalling 30 million prints and the setting up of 32 marking centres.
He announced that the marking of the exam papers will start on 1 December and finish on 10 December 2024.
Ntuli also assured that emergency measures are in place, with the South African Police Service and South African National Defence Force prepared to assist with logistics in the event of inclement weather.
Commitment to exam integrity
The Premier further
assured the public that strict protocols are in place to ensure the integrity of the NSC exams, with close monitoring at high-risk centres.
‘Yesterday [Wednesday], MEC Sipho Hlomuka and the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, inspected printing facilities and expressed satisfaction with the security measures.
“To further uphold the credibility of the exams, all matriculants are set to sign a pledge [on Friday], committing to preserving the integrity of the examination process,’ Ntuli said.
Ntuli extended his gratitude to the provincial educators, including officials and stakeholders, who played a crucial role in ensuring KwaZulu-Natal’s readiness.
He urged parents and communities to support the Class of 2024, as they embark on this important milestone.
Source: South African Government News Agency