PRETORIA - The Basic Education Department has put plans in place to ensure this year’s matric exams run without disruption.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube said strict quality control measures and a zero-tolerance for examination irregularities will be enforced.
“This year we will have a network of around 7,100 examination centers and to ensure a secure environment, have audited an entire network and implemented risk-based monitoring approach, directing our supervision and resources exactly to where they are needed most.
“I want to assure the public that the setting, the moderation, the quality assurance, and all the examination materials are complete. All question papers and examination instruments have been rigorously reviewed by the DBE and have been approved by UMALUSI.
“Crucially, learning from the past challenges, have significantly strengthened our security controls of the entire production and distribution chain. Through the district vetting and examination officials and close collaboration with national and provincial law enforcement structures, we are safeguarding examination materials very closely.
“We have established 189 marking centers, successfully recruiting 51,104 qualified and experienced education markers to mark our scripts. We will apply a standardized national approach to marking, underpinned by strict quality control processes strengthened and the moderation of school-based assessment.
“Let me be clear; the DBE is taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities. The candidate and parent pledge agreements to instill a culture of integrity to our young ones and 24-hour examination hotline which is active for the public to report any and all suspicious activity. Furthermore, we have robust contingency plans in place to manage operational challenges including severe weather conditions, community disruptions, because we want no learner to be disadvantaged.”