Statement by Donald Grant, Minister of Education in the Western Cape

“I am pleased to be informed that the marking of the 2009 National Senior Certificate examinations is successfully underway,” said Minister for Education in the Western Cape Donald Grant.

Grant was visiting the province’s main examination marking centre on Thursday.

“48 492 candidates in the Western Cape wrote the examinations this year and the WCED appointed 3 799 people to mark the 800 000 examination scripts that have been completed. The marking started on 9th of December and is planned to be completed by the 15th of December,” he said.

Grant said that twenty percent of all scripts and markers were moderated (remarked) by senior markers appointed for this purpose.

“This is to ensure a uniform, high standard of marking. 450 mark checkers will also double check the adding of the marks before data capturers put them into the computer systems.”

Grant said that the process was a massive logistical exercise and that strict security was in place at all times.

“Our main concern is to protect the integrity of the examinations. Therefore, we have ensured that the examination centre is secured both day and night.”

Grant expressed his gratitude to the markers and officials.

“It is clear that this is a huge task. I would therefore like to thank all the markers, moderators and officials for ensuring that this is a credible process.”

For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey:  072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za