DA calls for urgent oversight inspections of marking centres as KZN’s matrics begin exams

25 October 2021

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Education portfolio committee Chairperson, Sifiso Sonjica, to ensure that oversight visits to matric examination centres are prioritised once Local Government Elections are concluded. The call comes as the province’s Grade 12 learners begin their final exams this week.

The DA believes that it is extremely important that the portfolio committee spends a few days assessing matric examination centres as part of its oversight duties.

The functionality of centres is critical if results are to be verified by watchdog body Umalusi. It is also critical in terms of ensuring that everything is running smoothly so that there are no unnecessary delays in the release of matric results.

Furthermore, it must be assessed whether all resources are in place, in line with last weeks’ media briefing by KZN Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu, and his Department. This is particularly relevant given that the portfolio committee itself has been kept in the dark to date regarding information about examination centres and the Department’s preparedness to deliver.

KZN’s matric class of 2021 has had more than its fair share of trials to endure. From almost the beginning of their Grade 11 year they have had to adjust to a very different academic programme as a result of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns.

It is only right that the portfolio committee should ensure that the futures of these young men and women are not further compromised or placed on hold as a result of the marking process. It is the very least that we can do.

The DA commends each and every individual who has made it to this point in their careers in the face of so many obstacles. We wish them everything of the best for these important exams.

Issued by Imran Keeka, DA KZN Spokesperson on Education, 25 October 2021