WCED puts contigency measures in place ahead of SANTACO shutdown

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says they have put contingency plans in place, ahead of the planned SANTACO strike.

MEC David Maynier said over 60 000 candidates for the 2022 NSC exams will be affected for the next two days, with two high enrolment subjects – Life Sciences and Geography – being written on Monday and Tuesday.

‘’We have contacted all of our exam centres regarding contingency plans, and sent every individual matric candidate an SMS urging them to make alternate transport plans before Monday. Our schools have put plans in place to assist candidates if they can, using alternative transport and hostel facilities where available. These schools will communicate directly with their candidates.’’

Maynier says candidates unable to reach their designated exam centres, will need to go to the nearest exam centre, where they will be guided to ensure that they can write the exam.

‘’If this happens, we urge them to remain calm…We have plans in place to ensure that there will be enough exam papers, stationery, and invigilators at all venues.’’

‘’The key to the success of these measures is for candidates and their parents not to panic. The Department and our schools are doing everything we can to ensure that the exams proceed smoothly,’’ he added.

The MEC has called on SANTACO to either call off or postpone the strike, as it will negatively affect candidates.

‘’The Class of 2022 has had such a tough road to matric, missing lots of teaching and learning time in Grades 10 and 11, along with the added burden of load shedding. If candidates miss their exams, they will only be able to write again in May/June 2023, delaying their matriculation and thus their future employment and studies.’’

‘’While we respect the right to strike action, we urge SANTACO to delay the strike rather than risk delaying the future of our children,’’ added Education MEC, David Maynier.

 

COURTESY: MEC David Maynier

Done By: Mitchum George