Elections move exams

THE MATRIC exams, which were initially scheduled to start on November 1, will now commence on October 27 with the papers, English (Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language) P1, and Business Studies P1 written on 27 and 28 October respectively.

The department said the decision was taken on Wednesday after the Council of Education Ministers held a meeting, following a series of consultations with the key stakeholders in the Basic Education sector.

“The purpose of the consultation sessions was to deliberate on what would be the most appropriate option regarding a change to the timetable, given that there are five weeks away from the commencement of the examination,” they said.

“There are 207 question papers to be written over 25 days (5 weeks), and there are no vacant sessions in the current 25-day timetable.

“Hence, the re-scheduling needed to be confined to either to a) Prior the commencement date; or b) Post the conclusion date.”

DA spokesperson on basic education, Baxolile Nodada, said the class of 2021 has had to overcome uphill battles due to Covid-19’s devastating impact.

“By altering the exam schedule, matriculants will avoid any possible disruptions, and those who are eligible to vote will not be forced to choose between writing final examinations and exercising their democratic right to vote,” she said.

The department has made available a wide range of resources to assist the learners through the Remote and Digital Learning Programme Woza Matrics, reports