1. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) requested, in Circular E23 of 2016, that candidates registered to write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations sign a pledge committing themselves to comply with the examination code of conduct.
2. The National Pledge-Signing Ceremony is scheduled to take place on 14 October 2016 at 10:00 at each of the public schools participating in the 2016 NSC examination. Independent schools writing the DBE NSC examinations are also requested to participate in the Pledge-Signing Ceremony.
3. Schools should make copies of the NSC Examination Pledge (Annexure A) for each Grade 12 candidate.
4. Schools must inform Grade 12 candidates that the signing of the pledge is voluntary. No candidate may be forced to sign the pledge against their will.
5. On 14 October 2016 or on a suitable alternative date, an assembly of all Grade 12 candidates should be convened as part of their orientation and preparation for the writing of the NSC examinations.
6. During the principal’s address, the examination rules on the reverse side of the admission letter should be read to candidates.
7. Candidates should be asked to read the pledge aloud and, after the pledge has been taken by all candidates, they should be allowed to sign it.
8. Where possible, photocopies should be made of the signed pledges so that a copy can be retained by the school as part of each candidate’s records.
9. Where it is not possible to make photocopies of the signed pledges, the original pledge should remain with each NSC candidate so that they can keep it in the same folder as their admission letter, which must be in their possession for the duration of the 2016 NSC examinations.
10. It is recommended that the signing of the pledge should also be extended to Grade 10 and 11 to ensure a uniform standard in the conduct of the examination in the Further Education and Training (FET) Band.
11. The attached NSC Examination Pledge (Annexure A) can be adapted for Grade 10 and 11.
12. Principals are kindly requested to ensure the appropriate conduct of the pledge-signing ceremony at their school.
13. The co-operation of the 2016 NSC examination candidates in this matter will be much appreciated.


SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
ACTING HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2016:09:24

Annexure A: NSC Examination Pledge  (size: 293 KB)