1. The first examination for the National Senior Certificate will be conducted in October and November of 2008. In preparation for this examination the national Department of Education (DoE) is currently testing a new examinations computer program for the processing of examination results. This programme has the candidate's identity document (ID) number as a compulsory field. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that all Grade 10 and 11 learners are in possession of a valid South African bar-coded ID book as the 13 digit ID number will be used for registration purposes in Grades 10 and 11, and also as an examination number in Grade 12. Learners who do not yet have the necessary ID books will be permitted to use the ID numbers on their birth certificates. Learners who have lost their birth certificates can have them re-issued by the Department of Home Affairs at a cost of R10.00 a copy.
2. The WCED is assisting the national DoE with the testing of the computer program, using the data supplied by CEMIS for Grade 11 learners. It has been discovered, however, that more than 35 000 of the current Grade 11 learners have no ID numbers captured on CEMIS. Principals are, therefore, kindly requested to ensure that, by no later than 07 September 2007, the ID numbers of their Grades 10 and 11 learners are captured in the learner registration file on CEMIS.
3. All Grade 10 and 11 learners who are not in possession of a South African ID book must be instructed to apply for one immediately at the nearest Home Affairs office.
4. Learners who are from foreign countries and who do not have the South African ID books will be able to use their passport or study-permit numbers for registration purposes in Grades 10 and 11, and as examination numbers in Grade 12.
5. Kindly note that the concession to use ID numbers reflected on birth certificates does not apply to part-time or private candidates as their ID books already serve to identify them as legitimate candidates who are allowed entry to an examination venue.
6. Principals are earnestly requested to encourage and assist learners to acquire their ID books, as those without these books will not be able to register for examinations, with serious consequences for all concerned.


SIGNED: A.P. CLAUSEN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:08:15