DA urges Motshekga to review matric exam timetable in light of upcoming elections

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in parliament is calling for Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga to relook the 2021 matric examination timetable to accommodate the upcoming Local Government Elections on the first of November.

The party says because the voting day coincides with the start of the writing of the exams, it will deprive all the eligible learners their rights to vote.

Party Spokesperson on Education Baxolile Nodada says in the past, election days were often declared as public holidays.

“The first concern is that some matrics who are eligible to vote may be unable to do so due to writing exams. Secondly, if the start of the exams is not postponed, the IEC which often uses schools as voting stations will face challenges in this regard. And lastly, given that the election day is declared as a public holiday-this creates further difficulties around teachers, around invigilators exercising their democratic rights to vote.”

Vaccination

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Western Cape Education Minister, Debbie Schafer called on matriculants to get vaccinated ahead of their final examinations.

She says provision has been made to prioritise eligible learners to be vaccinated at specific sites.

Schafer says the provincial Health Department will assist to make arrangements once names are submitted and consent given to educational districts.

VIDEO: Last month, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga held a media briefing on COVID-19 impact on schooling: