The writing of Grade 12 year-end examination started without incidents in Mpumalanga. This is despite a service delivery protest in Jeppe’s Reef in Nkomazi.
Protesters took to the streets demanding clean drinking water. The protest has entered into second day and threatened to disrupt the smooth administration of examinations.
Despite their frustration, the writing of final year examinations was not affected. Grade 12 learners were allowed passage to go to school.
Residents claim they have to walk kilometres to access clean drinking water and they accuse government of having failed to deliver on its promise.
“We have been protesting since yesterday (Monday). We want water. For the past 25 years they have promised pumps to push water into our area, but the paper for matric we are going to allow the paper to go on,” says resident Sifiso Ngomane.
The embattled Nkomazi municipality is adamant the challenge is being addressed.
“Water is a problem in that area so far we have a project to get water into the area, but because it’s a pick, it is hard to get water up and we have to send the design and we are waiting for it to be approved,” says Nkomazi Local Municipality Dan Ngwenya.
Mpumalanga’s Education Department is concerned about the sporadic protests. It hopes for an incident free examinations process.
Security has been tightened at schools for the duration of the examinations. Over 58 000 grade 12 pupils are sitting for this year exams.
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