The DBE and Umalusi briefed the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on examination readiness for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) on 22 October 2024. The Committee was informed that the first day of the examinations passed seamlessly. During the examination period, 21 October to 27 November, a total 200 question papers are scheduled to be written by 727,121 full-time candidates and 155,215 part-time candidates at 6,334 public schools and with 575 independent centres serving as examination centres.

Minister Gwarube assured the Committee that more than one question paper is set and quality approved by Umalusi for each examination paper, and that the 400 Gqeberha learners who were affected by the recent storms will be writing the examination on another date. She indicated that the smooth start to the examinations has been made possible owing to the commitment and support from all nine provinces and the innovative ways they have provided learner support programmes and incubation caps as safe learning environments. “The writing of English as the first paper is an important stress testing opportunity as we have all of the candidates writing to see the system in action. The rolling out of the examinations is an intricate process involving both administrative as well as curriculum or academic readiness across the system to ensure that no child is left behind”.

Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, said that, the DBE follows a differentiated approach to supporting learners according to their individual needs. Concerns were raised by committee members about reports of a shortage of markers for certain subjects. Basic Education Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, agreed that the fiscal constraints have been impacting on staff shortages, but assured the Committee that officials with experience in examinations from other line functions such as curriculum will be identified to assist where necessary. Accommodations and concessions for learners with special education needs were provided, providing them with the requisite equipment and large print material and scribes to assist. He explained the next steps in the examination process up to Umalusi’s determination of declaring the examination credible and fair.

In the update to the Committee, Dr Barney Mthembu, DDG for Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring, supported by Dr Rufus Poliah, Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examination, covered the following aspects of learner readiness: Support for learners in the three Technology specialisations; Support of learners in Arts subjects; Trial examination analysis of results which informed the Last Push; Common Last Push activities covering the uniform support, including intensified learner support, examination skills, provision of extra resources, use of previous examination papers, question grouping, broadcast lessons and the role of parents. The DBE remains confident that the Last Push activities together with the ongoing support by schools and PEDs have adequately prepared learners for this all-important examination.

In conclusion, Committee Chairperson, Ms Joy Maimela, extended her well-wishes to the Class of 2024, adding that the Committee will be briefed by Western Cape Education Department (WCED) regarding budget cuts, post declarations and the committee’s observations during its recent oversight visit to the province on 29 October 2024.