Matric exams underway

Nadia Samie
9 October 2006

Matric learners across the country kick off their final exams today. According to the Western Cape's Department of Education, a total of 62 215 full and part-time learners in public and private institutions, will be writing the exams this year.

While the national department of education says that it is ready for this year’s exams, the DA’s spokesperson on Education, George Boinamo, has expressed concern about the possibility teachers in Soweto going on strike. The teachers, who are members of SADTU, are threatening to strike if a dispute with the Gauteng provincial government over ghost teachers is not resolved.

Subjects to be written today include Typing, Computer studies, Woodwork, Metal Work and Welding. Last year's Western Cape matric pass rate was 84 percent. Strict security measures are in place at all writing centres.