The Department of Basic Education is pleased that the administration of the 2019 National Senior Certificate Examinations has been progressing without any major incidents that could jeopardise its credibility.

This is the third week of the examinations and today, 187 506 candidates sat this morning to write Physical Science, while a further 11,810 put pen to paper on their Technical Sciences paper.

The examinations started on October 15 and a total of 790 405 (full time and part-time) candidates are writing this year.

The examinations are being written at 7416 centres, with more than 10 million question papers printed and 11 million scripts delivered to all candidates countrywide. There are 45,000 markers who will commence with their work once the writing is completed on 28 November where marking will take place at 218 centres. 

The Department is optimistic that as the administration continues, no irregularities will threaten the integrity of the examinations.   

On Tuesday (5 November), 312 616 candidates throughout the country will sit for their Geography Theory, as well as Map Work in the first and second sessions respectively.

The Department will continue to monitor the examinations as they progress. We are hopeful as the Department that all the measures put in place will ensure we are able to protect the integrity of this examination by preventing any untoward incidents.

Enquiries:     Elijah Mhlanga – Head of Communications 083 580 8275

                        Terence Khala – Media Relations Officer 081 758 1546

                     Thobeka Magcai - Intergovernmental Communications - 0760189125

Hope Mokgatlhe – Ministerial Spokesperson – 079 817 0427

                        ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION