More than 36 000 people in the Western Cape to sit down for 2022 NSC exams

The 2022 May/June National Senior Certificate (NSC) session starts on Monday, and more than 36 000 people in the Western Cape will sit down for this year’s examinations.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said that 36 379 candidates have registered to write the exams, of these, 13 853 are adults and out-of-school young people writing the Senior Certificate, while 22 526 are writing the NSC in a part time capacity to either improve their marks or complete their qualification.

The WCED added that approximately 900 invigilators will ensure that exams proceed smoothly and fairly at 174 exam centres across the Western Cape.

The first subjects to be written on Monday will be a selection of languages with lower enrolment in the morning, followed by English Home Language, First Additional Language, and Second Additional Language (all Paper 1) in the afternoon. The final paper to be written will be Business Studies Paper 2 on the 23rd of June.

Education MEC, Debbie Schäfer, has highlighted once again the risk of load shedding for those writing.

 ‘’Unfortunately, load shedding once again represents a burden that our candidates must carry through no fault of their own. One would have hoped that by now – after so many years of exams being threatened by power failures – Eskom would have resolved the issue, yet we are once again facing persistent load shedding.’’

 ‘’Our exam venues are thus required to have sufficient natural light in the event that the power goes out during an exam, and venues for the Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology practicals have generators and protocols to be followed in the event of a power failure. However, the toll of load shedding on our candidates’ ability to study and prepare adequately, especially after dark, is substantial,’’ added Schäfer.

The MEC also raised concern over possible disruptions whilst many sit for the exams.

‘’Of equal concern is the potential for disruption by various organisations, political groups, and members of the public. Last year’s November NSC proceeded with minimal disruption, to the credit of the residents of the Western Cape. I appeal to them once again to make sure that absolutely no disruptions prevent our candidates from achieving their best possible results. They deserve the support of every one of us during these exams.’’

‘’I wish all candidates the very best as they tackle their exams and invest in their futures. Work hard, do your best, and know that we are here to support you to the fullest!,’’ added Schäfer.

Done By: Mitchum George