Mbombela – Inclement weather at the weekend left several schools in Nkomazi, near Malelane, in Mpumalanga, without roofs, forcing the Department of Education to hastily find alternative venues for ongoing Matric exams.
The schools were damaged by a heavy storm on Sunday night, (27 October 2024).
However, the Mpumalanga Department of Education has expressed confidence that the writing of the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations will continue uninterrupted.
On Monday, (28 October 2024), candidates from affected schools were accommodated at temporary examination venues that included churches, halls, and other schools.
Mpumalanga education spokesperson Jasper Zwane said: “The department is pleased to report that the 2024 Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations are progressing well even in the face of challenging weather conditions.
“Despite the heavy storms affecting some schools in all districts, candidates demonstrated remarkable resilience today as they successfully sat for their English Home Language, English First Additional Language, and English Second Additional Language papers.”
Zwane said the department was “glad” schools found alternative venues to allow examinations to run smoothly.
“As part of the the departmental risk management plan, the affected schools did their best to ensure a seamless examination experience for candidates by using alternative venues including local churches and other schools,” Zwane said.
Mpumalanga has 67 231 full-time candidates registered to sit for the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations.
The provincial education department says it is targeting an 83% pass rate this year.
Mpumalanga Education MEC Cathy Dlamini urged matriculants to remain focused on their exams.
“We are truly grateful for the way in which this examination is progressing so far. Together, let us keep up the momentum and strive for excellence,” MEC Dlamini said.
