By OBAKENG MAJE
5 December 2024- North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi who outlined the successes and challenges in her department for 2024 academic year said, they have achieved a milestone that underscores their commitment to quality education and effective administration.
Motsumi addressed the media at Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg on 3 December 2024.
She further said the North West, as the rest of the country concluded its National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination period. Motsumi added that the province registered 45,004 candidates, including 41,495 full-time and 3,449 part-time learners, across 449 examination centres.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to quality education and effective administration. There were few incidents during the examination period, despite our best efforts.
“We encountered a few challenges such as computer malfunctions during the writing of Computer Applications Technology and this occurred at three centres. Additional time was granted to affected learners,” she said.
Motsumi also said there was an unusual incident, where a rhino trapped in a school drain caused delays and disruptions during an examination. She said community unrest delayed the submission of scripts in some of the schools.
“Instances of candidates giving birth and one principal failing to collect question papers on time, leading to suspension and an ongoing investigation. Examination irregularities in Business Studies and History, involving cell phones and crib notes, have resulted in immediate blocking of the affected scripts, pending investigation.
“The department has taken steps to ensure the integrity of the examination process. We have enhanced training for officials and examination personnel to reduce administrative errors,” she said.
Motsumi said the procurement of error-free question papers and efficient capturing of SBA marks completed two days ahead of schedule. She said timely commencement of the marking phase on 1 December 2024, with 20 marking venues fully prepared.
“Marking is a meticulous and essential component of the examination cycle. We have implemented measures such as training of 67 Chief Markers, 67 Internal Moderators, and over 2,800 markers to ensure consistency and quality in the marking process.
“Rigorous venue selection based on criteria such as adequate space, security, ICT facilities, and basic amenities. Marking venues were audited, and personnel, including venue managers, security staff, and marking assistants, were trained before marking commenced,” said Motsumi.
She said marking began on 1 December 2024 and will conclude on 12 December 2024. Motsumi said this will ensure readiness for the release of results in Klerksdorp on 14 January 2025.
“I visited the marking centres, which is Hoerskool Rustenburg to assess the conditions they are working under. The department is deeply committed to creating and maintaining safe spaces, where our learners can focus on their education without fear or disruption.
“As we prepare to re-open 2025 academic year, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards of education in the province,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 