Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is pleased that the first day of the 2023 October/November National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which began on Monday 30 October 2023, went well in the province.
A majority of our districts had no issues in facilitating the writing of English Home Language Paper 1 and English First Additional Language Paper 1 on Monday. Most candidates were present and honoured all rules and regulations as expected.
Gauteng MEC of education Matome Chiloane said we have noted a few instances of absenteeism among full-time candidates in our districts.
In Tshwane West, a majority of full-time candidates attended. However, about eight candidates approached officials stating that they were not ready to write, two other candidates did not write due to unknown whereabouts, which is concerning.
Three other candidates were also hospitalised due to health issues and were unable to write.
In Ekurhuleni South, most full-time candidates also wrote their exam. However, one candidate was caught with a cellphone in the exam centre, which is not allowed.
In such an instance, the candidate might not be resulted on the subject in question, which is disadvantageous towards their final results.
“We have recorded a concerning rate of absenteeism among part-time candidates from all districts as well.
We wish to re-emphaise the commitments which candidates vowed to fulfill by having signed the NSC pledge,” Chiloane said.
He said candidates are discouraged from transgressing their pledge. Candidates must always adhere to exam rules and regulations to maintain the integrity of the examinations and their future.
All candidates must honour their exams and regulations as outlined in the pledge. Therefore, unwarranted absenteeism is unacceptable.
We are deeply saddened by an incident where a full-time candidate from Unity Secondary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni tragically took her own life by allegedly poisoning herself on Sunday, 29 October 2023, a day before the exams.
Candidates are reminded of the Mental Health pledge they signed, urging them to reach out to the support structures and resources we have made available in instances where they might be facing internal difficulties during these exams.
Such structures include Childline, which can be contacted by dialing 116; and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which is available on all telephonic and online platforms.
“Despite the first day of exams having went smoothly in Gauteng, we are devastated by the loss of one candidate who took her own life just before her first exam.
We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to her family and the school community at large. Learners are urged to use our available structures to express any issues they are facing; our officials are more than happy to help.
Candidates are also encouraged to honour their commitments to these exams and refrain from being absent,” MEC Chiloane said.