Pretoria – Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday revealed that her department has implemented enhanced security measures to prevent National Senior Certificate Examinations (NSC) paper leaks in all nine provinces.
“We’ve enhanced security measures to prevent paper leaks in all nine provinces,” said Minister Motshekga on the eve of the start of the NSC exams.
She said the State Security Agency has also audited these processes.
“Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) must follow standard operating procedures training storage point managers in security protocols,” the minister said.
“Moreover, specific collection times for question papers by chief invigilators have been established to deter early access.
“Each PED has its own irregularity committee to anticipate and mitigate crises.
“To mitigate the challenge of load shedding, all PEDs and schools have devised contingency plans, including backup generators.”
Minister Motshekga said the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) Paper 1 examinations were generally conducted this week without power issues, with isolated incidents.
She said affected candidates were isolated and managed.
“We will offer a backup paper if needed due to power interruptions,” she said.
The minister added that in South African Sign Language Home Language (SASL HL), candidates’ laptops will be fully charged before each examination commences, and backup power supply measures have been put in place.
“This year, we take pride in announcing that we have over 717 377 candidates registered to participate in the final examinations across 6,898 centres nationwide,” said Minister Motshekga.
“These figures are not mere statistics; they embody the aspirations, dreams, and relentless efforts of our Grade 12 learners.”
The minister said the fugures stand as a testament to the resilience of students and the continuous dedication of the Department of Basic Education in providing them with a platform to succeed.
“When we compare this year’s figures to 2022, we observe a gradual decrease in the number of candidates, 34,626 candidates, and this could be attributed to the fact that more candidates complete their qualifications on time,” said Minister Motshekga
There has been an increase in the number of part-time learners from 168 631 in 2022 to 181 143 in 2023 (an increase of 12 512).
“A total of 207 question papers, 72 500 invigilators and 52 500 markers will drive the examinations process.
“Furthermore, our roster boasts 72,500 invigilators ready to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations, compared to 72,000 last year.”
Minister Motshekga added: “As we stand on the brink of the 2023 National Senior Certificate examinations for the Class of 2023, it is heartening to witness the dedication and commitment of South Africa’s basic education sector in ensuring the smooth execution of this pivotal national duty.
“The numbers paint a promising picture of our educational landscape as we prepare for the exams starting tomorrow (30 October).
“Interestingly, Umalusi has approved all question papers to be administered in the October/November 2023 Examinations and given the nod to the exams.”
Meanwhile, Justice Nyaka reports from Komatipoort that it is all systems go for Mpumalanga Grade 12 learners to sit for their final NSC tomorrow morning, (Monday 30 October 2023).
The province has 68 681 full-time learners and another 16 767 part-time students registered to write the NSC examination.
Mpumalanga education MEC Bonakele Majuba is expected to witness the examination’s first day with the writing of English HL and FAL paper 1.
He is due to visit Mgubho Senior Secondary School in Tonga, near Komatipoort.
The area is located within the rural Nkomazi Local Municipality, which is under Ehlanzeni District Municipality.
Mpumalanga education spokesperson Jasper Zwane said the province had set for itself an achievement target of at least 83% pass rate.
“The ideal goal for the department is for all the candidates to pass with flying colours considering the support provided since in the beginning of their schooling journey,” Zwane said.