Matric exams moved to accomodate LGE

The 2021 national Senior Certificate (NSC) exams will start earlier than scheduled, because of the local government elections.

The Department of Basic Education has confirmed the final matric exam timetable  will now start on 27 October and not 1 November as initially scheduled.

Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says the decision was taken by the Council of Education Ministers on Wednesday morning.

“The CEM meeting took place following the series of consultations with the key stakeholders in the Basic Education sector. The changes were necessitated by the local government elections which will take place on 1 November 2021. Learners eligible to vote would now be able to cast their ballots.”

Mhlanga says the papers which were scheduled for November 1 and 2 will now be written on 27 and 28 October respectively.

“The best interest of the learner was a key consideration in addition to ensuring that a minimum change to the current timetable was made to avoid confusion.’’

“The Department of Basic Education urges candidates preparing for the examination to keep working hard,” added Mhlanga.

Western Cape Education MEC, Debbie Schafer shared the same sentiments.

‘’This was the option that was least disruptive, and the decision was made in the best interest of our learners. I wish our learners well as they make their final preparations for the exams, and I appeal to the residents of the Western Cape to support our matrics, so they can do their very best in the exams despite another tough year.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George