Pretoria: Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has announced that the administration of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams has been proceeding well, showcasing the strength and resilience of the education sector systems. Today marks the 12th day since the exams commenced on 21 October 2024. “I am delighted to report that so far, the administration of this year’s NSC exams has been progressing well, showcasing the strength and resilience of our systems,” Gwarube stated, emphasizing the critical milestone these exams represent for the learners.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister held a press briefing to update on the progress of the NSC exams. She highlighted the comprehensive measures taken by the department to safeguard the integrity of the exams, ensuring a fair and supportive experience for every learner. Gwarube revealed that 104 out of the 181 question papers have been written, marking 58% of the exams, thus bringing them past the halfway point.
Despite some disr
uptions, the exams have continued smoothly. Five schools in the Jan Kemdorp area were impacted by a taxi strike, but all candidates managed to sit for their exams. In Limpopo, protest actions were mitigated with the help of the South African Police Service, allowing matric candidates to attend their exams safely. Weather disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga were addressed with contingency plans, ensuring learners could complete their exams.
Power outages were another challenge, with back-up generators deployed to allow learners to finish their exam papers. However, one learner was unable to complete their paper due to being arrested inside the exam venue as a suspect in an armed robbery case. The Minister also reported confiscations of cellphones and crib notes from a small number of learners, which are currently under investigation, along with the arrest of two imposter candidates.
Gwarube assured that the department’s operational systems are designed to quickly resolve chall
enges, from exam paper distribution to security management. “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 said, adding that suspected security issues with exam papers are swiftly escalated to uphold exam credibility.
Despite the overall success, Gwarube acknowledged the need to adapt to unforeseen challenges, particularly environmental ones. Recent storms and flooding in regions like Bushbuckridge and the Eastern Cape have affected some learners’ ability to attend exams as scheduled. The department responded by implementing alternative arrangements, such as using different venues and rescheduling exams, in collaboration with local authorities.
“We recognise that the final leg of exams is crucial, and we are committed to providing every learner with the opportunity to complete their exams without unnecessary obstacles,” Gwarube noted, commending the resilience of
affected learners and their families, as well as the dedication of teachers and officials involved in facilitating the alternative arrangements.