DA calls on DBE to review matric exam roster to avoid Election Day clash 

14 September 2021

The DA calls on Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education, and her department to review the matric examination timetable in order to accommodate the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

This is after it came to light that the start of the National Senior Certificate exams will fall on 1 November, Election Day.

This clash gives rise to several challenges for both matric learners, exam writing centres as well as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The first concern is that some matric pupils, who are eligible to vote, may be unable to do so due to writing their matric exams. Secondly, if the start of the examinations is not postponed, the IEC, which often use school halls as voting stations on Election Day, may face challenges in this regard. And lastly, given that Election Day is declared as a public holiday, this creates further difficulties around teachers and invigilators exercising their democratic right to vote.

The DA, therefore, strongly encourages the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to alter the matric exam schedule to accommodate both matric students and the elections. This will ensure that both the exams and the voting process proceed without a hitch.

Since the beginning of the academic year, the class of 2021 has had to overcome difficult uphill battles due to Covid-19's devastating impact. We must take all possible precautions to guarantee that there are few disturbances at the final hurdle.

By altering the exam schedule, matriculants will avoid any possible disruptions and those who are eligible to vote will not be forced to choose between writing final examinations and exercising their democratic right to vote

Issued by Bax Nodada, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, 14 September 2021