Exams run smoothly, thanks to staff

AT the end of last year and beginning of this year, I had the privilege of invigilating during the NMMU exams written by the students at the NMB Stadium and other off-campus sites. These arrangements were needed to ensure the safety of the students in the wake of the #FeesMustFall protests.

Daily we were met by friendly and enthusiastic university staff and security personnel, to marshal and guide the students towards the venues where their subjects were to be written.

Not once did I witness any kind of disrespect or impatience – only friendliness and co-operation.

The students, as well as the parents footing the bill for their studies, should give the NMMU support staff a standing ovation and a huge thank you for their tireless, selfless and monumental efforts, that have made it possible for those students, who are genuinely seeking an education to better their lives, to be able to write their exams for the last academic year.

I witnessed the determination, planning and hard physical labour, often against most trying and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, that went into making this exercise a success. Congratulations all round!

And to the students too, well done! Not only for completing their last year’s studies, but also for their exemplary behaviour during these exams. This has been a very positive experience, against a backdrop of uncertainty that could have had a very different outcome.

An invigilator, Port Elizabeth