Crunch time for SA’s matriculants

This year’s National Senior Certificate Examinations officially get under way on Wednesday with Computer Applications Technology Paper One.

However, the majority of learners will start writing on Wednesday next week with English Paper One. Briefing the media in Johannesburg last week, quality assurance body, Umalusi expressed satisfaction with the Basic Education Department’s readiness to conduct the 2019 matric exams.

It however raised concern over the shortage of Afrikaans question paper markers in Limpopo.

The department’s Thobeka Magcai says, “The department of basic education wants to take this time to wish all candidates sitting for their computer applications technology today and information technology tomorrow, the very best of luck. We also extend well wishes to visual arts and design candidates, who started their practicals from 7 to 18 October. The next big paper will be English on the 23rd of October, at 9am. Again we wish all candidates the very best of luck.”

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has wished matric learners well.

Gauteng has the highest enrolment for the National Senior Certificate in the country with over 150 000 learners registered for this year’s matric exams.

More that 41000 of them are part time candidates, ANC spokesperson in Gauteng Bones Modise says, “We claimed number one spot with 87.9% in 2018 and the historic eight of top 10 performing districts coming from Gauteng. We therefore make a call on all parents and communities not to put learners under unnecessary pressure, and to make sure that they use the departmental helpline which is 0800 055 555 or 011 645 2000 for further assistance as they prepare for the exams.”