Cape Town – Over 717 000 matriculants are beginning their final 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations at nearly 6 900 examination centres on Monday.
The number of candidates has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, possibly due to more students completing their qualifications on time, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Sunday while while briefing the media on the state of readiness for the exams.
There has been an increase in the number of part-time learners, she said.
“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 [who are] ready to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations, compared to 72 000 last year,” Motshekga said.
The exams will involve 207 question papers, 72 500 invigilators, and 52 500 markers, with enhanced security measures to prevent paper leaks.
Contingency plans have been developed to address potential power interruptions, and the National Assembly has passed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which aims to address various challenges in the education system, including issues related to language and admission policies in schools.
“Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) must follow standard operating procedures training storage point managers in security protocols. 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,” Motshekga said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
