Pretoria: Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has expressed her gratitude to all parties involved in the successful execution of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The exams, which began on 21 October with the English Language paper, were delivered smoothly and credibly, according to the minister.

According to South African Government News Agency, Minister Gwarube acknowledged the significant contributions of teachers, officials, parents, and stakeholders in ensuring the examinations’ success. She highlighted their dedication and hard work as pivotal in maintaining a fair and credible examination process, reinforcing the values of fairness, integrity, and excellence within the education system.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, ahead of the exams’ official conclusion on Thursday, Gwarube noted that the administration of the exams was largely smooth, despite some challenges. She attributed the minimal irregularities to the collective efforts of educators, administrators, and l
earners. The minister emphasized the importance of stringent monitoring, which ensured a fair process, with at least 70% of high-risk examination centers closely supervised during each session.

Gwarube also pointed out the challenges faced, including protest actions in regions like Jan Kempdorp, Gert Sibande, and Limpopo, as well as adverse weather conditions in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, which affected some learners. In the Eastern Cape, 319 learners were unable to write due to flooding, but contingency plans are in place for these learners to retake their exams.

Amid the exam period, the minister addressed the violent incidents that overshadowed the efforts, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where incidents of gang rape were reported. Gwarube urged the nation to stand against gender-based violence, especially as the country observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. She called for schools and communities to be safe spaces free from fear and violence.

Gwarube also advised matric
ulants to celebrate the end of exams responsibly, cautioning against alcohol abuse during celebratory events.

With the exams concluded, the focus now shifts to the marking process. According to the minister, 181 marking centers have been established across the country, all of which have been audited and are ready to operate. The marking process, involving over 50,000 markers, will commence on 27 November 2024. The department has already conducted 60 of the 164 planned Marking Standardisation Meetings to ensure consistency and fairness.

To further support the marking process, significant emphasis has been placed on food safety at marking centers. Online workshops on food handling protocols are being conducted for Examination Managers, Marking Centre Managers, and School Principals. Additionally, measures are in place to ensure a clean and continuous water supply in high-temperature areas.

In light of recent incidents involving food-borne illnesses linked to agricultural-grade pesticides, the Director-Genera
l has issued a circular advising all schools against the use and storage of such chemicals on premises. Schools are encouraged to only allow compliant vendors and food items onto their grounds, aiming to protect learners and staff from preventable health hazards.