#CommitToFinish: NSC practical exams start tomorrow

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education Western Cape

9 032 learners will complete their Computer Applications Technology (CAT) practical exam tomorrow, while 854 learners have their Information Technology practical exam on Thursday. 

Last year, Eskom blackouts wreaked havoc across the country on these practical exams. Sadly, ‘load-shedding’ remains an ever-present threat.

The Department of Basic Education has engaged with Eskom regarding load-shedding during the exam period. I urge Eskom to put contingency measures in place to avoid a repeat of last year’s disruption. Our matrics have been through enough this year – it is not fair to cause them more anxiety with blackouts.

Our examinations team will be monitoring the situation very closely, and there is a standard protocol to be followed at schools if a power outage occurs during the practical exams.

For a scheduled power outage, such as load-shedding, candidates must remain in the computer room until the power supply is restored. Candidates may not communicate with one another while waiting for the power supply to be restored. The time lost during the power failure must be allowed as additional examination time.

For an unscheduled power outage, if, after two hours, the power supply has not been restored, the examination must be rescheduled in consultation with the WCED’s Examinations Administration directorate.

We also have standard procedures in place in case of computer breakdowns during an exam.

Message to the matrics: I wish all the candidates completing their practicals this week the best for the exams. It has been a very difficult year for our matric class, but I firmly believe that you will show us what you are made of. Do your very best because this is the final stretch – you’ll thank yourself later!

Media Enquiries:
Kerry Mauchline
Spokesperson to Minister Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Ministry of Education
Kerry.Mauchline@westerncape.gov.za