The Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade and the Acting Head of Department (HoD), Sharon Maasdorp are camping in Kariega, KwaNobuhle, in the Nelson Mandela education district to monitor and support flood affected schools in the area who were writing Computer Assisted Technology (CAT) paper 1.

In the Province 4873 full-time candidates are registered for Computer Applications Technology (CAT).

All schools have confirmed that learners wrote without disruption. However, the inclement weather created serious problems of access and power outages for Kariega/ Uitenhage schools that are part of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

In Nelson Mandela Bay Metro 50 schools offer CAT with 2054(42%) out of the total candidates population of the province. There are 319 candidates who have not managed to write, all coming from 5 schools in Uitenhage/ Kariega area. These candidates shall be offered a re- write of CAT by DBE on 28 November 2024.

Furthermore, the department is expediting alternative examination accommodation for learners who are using scholar transport in this area. Discussions with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality for the usage of churches and community halls, are at an advance stage as an alternative to flooded schools.

Additionally, the department in this area has partnered with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to ensure safe transportation of examination question paper to all the affected schools in the area.

In addition, delivery of the Learner Teacher Support Material (LTSM) to 300 schools by 10 NMB distributors has been suspended for two days due to the heavy rains. This is meant to keep the consignment safe until the heavy rain clears.

Education MEC, Fundile Gade urged NMB schools to work with the district leadership for support during this period. Gade promised the full swing delivery as soon as the rain subsides.

“Picking and packaging is still in full swing in the warehouse since the district has already received 100% of its allocation from the provincial warehouse.

However, to avoid damages to the consignment in transit to schools, we have decided to suspend until the weather clears.

Our timelines may be affected by a day or two due to this, but we are already working on a recovery plan for the lost delivery time, said Gade.
 
Gade urged parents and schools to be on high alert and ensure that learners are safe and sound during this rainy period, while preparing and writing their examinations.

Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Education Communications Directorate. For any enquiries, please contact the DoE Spokesperson, Mr Mali Mtima at 083 795 2117, Acting Director: Communications and Events Management, Ms Nyameka Tokwe-Mgijima at 060 530 0348.