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October 18, 2024The MEC for Education, Ms Cathy Dlamini, held a press conference on 17 October at the Word of Life Bible Church in Shatale, Bohlabela District, to discuss the state of readiness for the 2024 Grade 12 National Senior Certificate examinations.
During the conference, Ms Dlamini addressed a recent incident involving 24 learners from Nkangala District who were taken to a clinic and KwaMhlanga Hospital due to suspected food poisoning, as they were experiencing stomach aches. She urged schools and parents to be vigilant regarding the food consumed by learners, both at school and at home, to prevent such incidents.
The matric examinations will commence on 21 October and continue until 28 November 2024. Ms Dlamini emphasised that this is a crucial period for both the education department and the province. She reassured the public that the department has made every effort to prepare the learners for these exams, with the goal of conducting incident-free examinations. A total of 77,811 candidates have registered for the exams, including 67,231 full-time and 10,684 part-time candidates.
Learners in Grades 1 to 12 are referred to as “learners,” but once registered for the National Senior Certificate, they are designated as “candidates.” The district with the highest number of registered candidates is Ehlanzeni, followed by Bohlabela and Nkangala, with Gert Sibande having the lowest number of registrations.
Examination timetables have been distributed, and candidates are encouraged to collect them from their respective schools. Schools that have been registered as examination centres will now be referred to as “centres.” Candidates will sign the code of conduct on 18 October, marking their commitment to adhering to examination regulations.
For schools lacking sufficient space, alternative venues such as churches and community halls have been authorised as exam centres. Trained invigilators will work alongside teachers to supervise the exams. The MEC called on parents and communities to actively support the candidates during this critical time.
Ms Dlamini encouraged the candidates to maintain good study habits throughout the examination period. Following the press conference, she attended a prayer session at the Word of Life Bible Church in Shatale, where attendees prayed for the success of the candidates.
Communities are urged to minimise disturbances, such as protests or loud noises, and tavern owners are requested to reduce music volume until 28 November to create a conducive environment for the candidates.