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SITEKI – Matriculation candidates are writing examinations under police protection amid safety concerns as the country goes through renewed violence.

At least 556 pupils wrote their first Matric examination paper at the U-Tech High School, in a marquee.

According to the country’s Matric examinations Coordinator, Thamie Silindza, the pupils started writing their Matric examination on Monday and will write their last paper on December 1.

The coordinator allayed safety concerns due to the fact that police were providing security for the duration of the examination period.

Silindza said after every paper had been written, it was escorted by the police to the Lavumisa Border Gate, where it was handed over to examination authorities in South Africa (SA).

He said examinations were going on smoothly since their commencement.

“So-far-so-good and we are optimistic that they will write their exams without experiencing any disturbances,” he said.

Lubombo Regional Education Officer (REO) Richard Dlamini wished the learners a peaceful examination and further assured that police would provide security.

Revising

Dlamini urged the pupils to focus on studying and revising what they had learnt over the years.

“It is important that the pupils focus on their books in paving the way for their bright future,” he said. Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary (PS) Bheki Gama said the ministry had involved the police to provide security for pupils and invigilators.

“We are aware of the current threatening situation but police will ensure that the pupils and invigilators are safe for the duration of the exams,” the PS said.

Meanwhile, the local centre, U-Tech High School, receives each paper every morning through the country’s border gate, from SA, and the police escort it to the exam rooms.

About 10 schools locally are writing their Matric exams namely, Milestone, Mbalenhle Academy, Diamond Valley, Harrolds, Pro-Learning and Phumelela.

The rest are Hillside, Wem, Bookville and the host (U-Tech High).