The first day of the matric final examinations in the North West has passed without any major disruptions.
More than 52,000 candidates are registered to write the examinations across the province, with the first paper being Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1.
Acting Education MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi visited Malatse Motsepe Secondary School in Mmakau Village, within the Madibeng Local Education Office, where she expressed satisfaction with the smooth start to the examinations.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, the Department’s Head of Communication, Dr Elias Malindi, confirmed that measures were in place to ensure CAT Paper 1 proceeded smoothly without major challenges.
“We have engaged with the power utility, Eskom, to ascertain whether any areas will experience load-shedding during the examinations.
“Fortunately, we have received no indication of any impending electricity supply challenges across the province. Furthermore, we have positioned backup generators to promptly address any unforeseen power disruptions,” said Malindi.
Malindi also said the Department was working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to monitor schools that had recently been vandalised in the province.
“We are closely monitoring these schools, alongside others, because we cannot afford to lose any further school infrastructure in the province.
“We are satisfied with today’s oversight visit to Malatse Motsepe Secondary School, where officials arrived in large numbers to observe the first day of the examinations.
“Departmental officials across the province are expected to continue monitoring schools throughout this period,” Malindi explained.
The Department reiterated that it had intensified safety and security measures to prevent any attempts to leak examination papers before the scheduled examinations.
Meanwhile, Mosenogi commended learners, invigilators, school management teams and education officials for their commitment, cooperation and dedication in ensuring a smooth start to the examinations.
“Today, I met with the School Management Team, School Governing Body, local councillor and traditional leadership before the commencement of the examinations.
“They all informed me that the learners were ready to write their final examinations and were confident that all the necessary preparations had been completed.
“I was satisfied to find that the learners were ready for these important final examinations. They all assured me that they were determined to pass,” Mosenogi explained.
The Department encouraged all candidates to remain calm, manage their time effectively, and carefully plan and structure their responses.
The learners are scheduled to write English Paper 3 on Thursday.
