The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is geared and ready to administer the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
With 172 433 full-time and 18 019 part-time candidates registered, the province's education system stands as the largest in the country, requiring meticulous planning to ensure a smooth examination process.
Sipho Hlomuka, the MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, recently addressed the media, sharing insights into the department’s extensive preparation for this year’s matric exams. The exams will be overseen by 6 343 invigilators spread across 6 710 exam rooms, ensuring that candidates are supported in a controlled and fair environment.
Ensuring the secure and timely distribution of exam materials is no small feat, and KwaZulu-Natal has set up 13 nodal points, 103 distribution centres, and 30 million printed copies of the 120 different exam papers required. This colossal effort is aimed at managing the 27 morning and 27 afternoon sessions for the 2024 NSC exams.
With security being a paramount concern, after inspecting the exam printing facility, Mr Hlomuka expressed confidence in the robust measures implemented to prevent irregularities and ensure the integrity of the exam process. The department will also be prepared for any adverse weather conditions, with SAPS, the SANDF, and four-wheel-drive vehicles on standby to assist with the distribution of exam scripts.
A key focus for the department is not just maintaining the successes of previous years but exceeding them. Following the impressive performance of the Class of 2023, which placed KwaZulu-Natal as the second-best performing province nationally, the department is determined to improve on that achievement.
An Academic Improvement Plan was developed at the start of 2024, with the ambitious goal of raising the province's pass rate to a minimum of 90%, or ideally, 100%.
"While reaching 100% would be ideal, our immediate goal is to improve on last year’s results by ensuring no district falls below 90%," said Mr Hlomuka.
To further this goal, the department has held "Accountability Sessions" for schools that performed below 40% in the 2023 NSC exams. These sessions, attended by school principals, Circuit Managers, and Curriculum Heads, aimed to boost these schools’ performances and eradicate under-performance in 2024.
In addition to academic strategies, the department implemented extensive support programmes to prepare pupils for the upcoming exams. Over 98 975 pupils participated in Winter School Camps across 1 001 centres, with extra tuition sessions focused on subjects that proved challenging. Spring boot camps provided additional learning opportunities, and weekend tuition sessions continue to offer support in the final weeks before the exams.
“We have provided platforms for learners to revise, practice exam papers, and work on common challenges,” Mr Hlomuka said.
Marking will begin on December 1 and involve 32 marking centres across the province.
A total of 7 614 markers will be supported by 1 517 senior markers, 300 deputy chief markers, and other administrative staff. The department is dedicated to ensuring the smooth and accurate completion of this process, with results expected to be released on January 16, 2025.