As Monday, October 21st, 2024, marks the beginning of the final examinations for Grade12 learners.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education is ready to host 117 762 candidates in 52 examinations centres across the province.
Preparations for the final examination started as early as March 2024, with theregistration of the candidates both part time and full timers.
Following that, were a series of support programs tailored towards enhancing their preparations. The support programs ranged from study camps, motivational talks and prayer sessions for the candidates.
The Department is fully ready to conduct and administer both the public examinations for the national senior certificate qualification, the Grade 11 provincial examinations, the Grade 9 GEC Pilot for 203 schools, AET Examinations (on behalf of DHET), the Grade 3 pilot assessment in line with the impact of the provincial reading strategy for 202 primary schools (11200 learners) mainly from Sarah Baartman, NMMB and BCM Education Districts– supported by Gates foundation.
All the schools in the province have started conducting the school- based assessmentsand examinations as prescribed by CAPS in each subject. The time frames differed from school to school but all are expected to finalise them in the last week of October, 2024. All the candidates writing their National Senior Certificate/Senior Certificate Examinations as from 21 October 2024 to 28 November 2024 received their Individual Timetables/ Admission Letters on 16-17 October 2024.
All logistics relating to the printing of question papers, delivery to safe storage, security including the appointment and training of markers to school invigilators was conducted with the consultation of all critical stakeholders.
MEC Gade believes the 81.4% obtained in 2023 by the province laid a formidable foundation for 85% or more in 2024. According to Gade this is based on the quarterlyperformance reports of the province. Additionally, obtaining the 85% is also the wish of the 7th Administration.
"The Provincial government has been consistently engaged on the renewal of the culture change, the culture of excellence, so this Department is of no exception to that assignment. We have been on the upward trajectory on all aspects of the sector, matric results included,” said Gade.
“We are coming before you as the people of the EC, with a solid foundation of 82.4 % from the 2024 Trial Examinations, an indication that the systems has stabilized. Let each one of us individually and collectively play our own roles in defence of the soul of the Nation. The time for the EC is now".
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, Ms Nyameka Tokwe-Mgijima at 060 530 0348.