The Congress of South African Students (COSAS), has voiced disappointment in the Basic Education Department’s decision to amend the matric exam timetable to accommodate the Local Government Elections.
The final National Senior Certificate examinations are due to start on October 27 rather than November 1 as initially scheduled.
The Department says the amendments will allow for learners who are eligible to vote to cast their ballots.
Matric exams to start earlier than scheduled
However, COSAS’ National spokesperson Douglas Ngobeni says the department should have considered moving the exam date to allow learners more time to focus on studying.
“The department makes an amendment which means they have to squeeze a lot of major subjects in one week so to accommodate the LGE. Let us at least consider our matriculants who are 18 and above who have registered on the special voters roll. During that week, a lot of our learners will be writing their major subjects. After voting they will have to go back to study. The Department of Basic Education should have considered moving the exams after the elections so that learners have got enough time.
COSAS DEMANDS SPECIAL VOTE FOR MATRIC LEARNERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE pic.twitter.com/CqkECCL8lx
— COSAS HQ (@CosasHq) September 15, 2021
Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga clarifies the date change for 2021 matric exams:
